The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world.

In Williamson’s spiritual-psychological framework, forgiveness is not merely a private virtue but a social force: releasing grievance interrupts cycles of retaliation, shame, and projection that scale from personal relationships to politics. The quote frames forgiveness as a “practice,” implying discipline and repetition rather than a single emotional event. Calling it our “most important contribution” elevates inner work to the level of civic responsibility—suggesting that healing the world begins with transforming the mind that perceives enemies and keeps old injuries alive. The emphasis is less on excusing harm than on choosing a response that reduces suffering and restores the possibility of connection.