Year-End Forgiveness?

Starting in 1984, according to a book I am reading, academia began to call for research into the idea of forgiveness. This theme, dealt with by philosophers through-out history was being neglected in the modern world, it seemed. Then in the early 21st century, Jimmy Carter, and Bishop Desmond Tutu, among others, began calling for a foundation which would be funded with mega-dollars to conduct in-depth research. Now, it seems people are increasingly conscious of the idea of the need for forgiving one's fellows for wrongs committed against oneself and one's loved-ones. If this is true, then 2013 would seem to have generated much-needed calls for forgiveness. From tragedies in the Middle East to school shootings and many lesser crimes and slights, humanity is as guilty as sin, as they say. But according to the book I have started, it is the one who forgives who benefits the most. This is a deep subject, of course, and one deserving of actual study. I hope to present some of what I am learning in future posts. N.B. It is good to be back on line after a period of rest during the Christmas holiday! Blessings to you, no matter your faith.