Shakespeare’s Wisdom: The Power of Mercy in Justice and Forgiveness

William Shakespeare, the renowned poet and playwright from the Elizabethan and early Jacobean eras, is one of the most famous authors in all of English literature.

One concept Shakespeare often explored in his plays was mercy–the idea of showing kindness and forgiveness, even when it’s hard to do.

Shakespeare believed, mercy is not only capable of transforming lives, but it can also strengthen and build real connections.

Let’s take a closer look at Shakespeare thoughts on mercy and why it’s so important in how we treat one another.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE on *MERCY*

From The Merchant of Venice

The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath it is twice blest, It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: ‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown: His scepter shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptered sway,—It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself, And earthly power doth then show likest God’s when mercy seasons justice. —WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564 – 1616)

If you’re anything like me and appreciate a more straightforward version, here it is:

Mercy is natural and effortless—it’s like the gentle rain that falls from the sky, touching everything below. Mercy is special because it blesses both the person giving it and the person receiving it. Even the most powerful people—like kings—benefit from showing mercy. A king’s crown and scepter represent his power and authority, but mercy is even more important. It shows the true strength of a ruler and makes them more like God, whose mercy guides all of us. Mercy makes justice more meaningful and balanced.–Powered by A.I

True mercy, as Shakespeare shows, is more than just being kind–it’s about forgiveness, compassion, and choosing to respond with grace, even when you feel the urge to get back at someone.

In The Merchant of Venice, for example, the character Portia argues that mercy is “twice blest.

That is to say, it blesses him that gives and him that takes. And so, this idea of mercy, as Shakespeare puts it, is something that benefits everyone.

Instead of seeking revenge or holding grudges, Shakespeare believes mercy lets us rise above our issues, leading to better, fairer outcomes.

It’s not just about being morally right, it’s about being human.

Showing empathy can heal both the person giving mercy and the one receiving it, in a powerful way that can make a real difference in the world.

So be compassionate with yourself. Do not judge yourself harshly when you make a mistake or fail to live up to your expectations.

“The willingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity. It is one of the great virtues to which we all should aspire. Imagine a world filled with individuals willing both to apologize and to accept an apology. Is there any problem that could not be solved among people who possessed the humility and largeness of spirit and soul to do either — or both — when needed?” 
― Gordon B. Hinckle

With mercy in your heart, you’ll find it easier to stay focused and less discouraged by the negative behaviors you encounter every day.

Put the ideas of this passage by one of the world’s greatest wordsmiths into your life practice the following:

• 1.When you’re in a situation where you need to make a judgment, first take a step back and try to really see both sides of your own personality before you make a decision.
• 2. Show yourself some compassion for any past mistakes. Stop being so hard on yourself. Be a bit kinder, and let go of any negative feelings you hold toward yourself.
• 3. Once you’ve expressed how you feel and justice is served—drop it! just let it go. Don’t hold onto grudges or keep reminding others of their mistakes.

And lastly, turn your biggest struggles over to God.

That’s what I do when I catch myself worrying.

It helps you let go of anger and frustration, making it easier to see that even those who seem like “sinners” have a bit of goodness in them too.

Anyway, hope this was helpful to you, as always, thank you for being here, talk again soon. Stay bless by the best. (P.S. add me on Thread: @herbeegee I’m quite active on that platform. Thanks in advance 🙏😊

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Pic 1: Source: Wikimedia Commons. Link: http://commons.wikimedia.org/

Pic 2: Source: Internet Archive. Link http://commons.wikimedia.org/

Pic 3: Source: University of California. Link: http://commons.wikimedia.org/

Pic 4: Source: University of California. Link: http://commons.wikimedia.org/