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Faith & Pilgrimage

A Global Study Examines How Forgiveness Shapes Flourishing

From the Editors

Drawing on data from more than 200,000 adults across 22 countries, researchers at the Global Flourishing Study examine how forgiveness operates across diverse cultures. The findings treat forgiveness not merely as an isolated moral duty, but as a practical practice closely tied to personal and communal flourishing. The Human Flourishing Program at Harvard highlights how intentional reconciliation influences broader wellbeing across varying demographics.

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Freedom Score

Our editors' measure of how much this serves a freer, fuller life.

Pathway & Practical Value20/25
Agency & Capability17/20
Attainability18/20
Human Flourishing19/20
Evidence & Credibility14/15

The research provides strong empirical backing for forgiveness as a foundational human virtue. It encourages personal moral agency and directly connects relational repair to long-term flourishing.

Originally Published

Source
Hfh Fas Harvard Edu
Author
Human Flourishing Program Team
Original date
July 5, 2026
Curated
September 9, 2026

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