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To Know All Is To Forgive All
If we truly knew another person's story, perhaps we would understand more and judge less. Each of us carries experiences, disappointments, struggles, and memories that have helped shape who we are today. These things can influence our decisions, our reactions, and the way we relate to others.
In To Know All Is To Forgive All, Nixon Waterman reminds us that we rarely know everything another person is carrying. What we see on the outside may tell us very little about the struggles hidden within.
This short poem encourages us to look at others with greater understanding and compassion. When we try to see beyond differences and consider what another person may have experienced, forgiveness can become easier and friendships can grow stronger.
Updated September 19, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
To Know All Is To Forgive All
Poet: Nixon Waterman
If I knew you and you knew me, -
If both of us could clearly see,
And with an inner sight divine
The meaning of your heart and mine,
I'm sure that we would differ less
And clasp our hand in friendliness;
Our thoughts would pleasantly agree
If I knew you and you knew me.
If I knew you and you knew me,
As each one knows his own self, we
Would look each other in the face
And see therein a truer grace.
Life has so many hidden woes,
So many thorns for every rose;
The "why" of things in our hearts would see,
If I knew you and you knew me.
Key Reflections In This Poem
-
Everyone Has A Story
We cannot always see the experiences and struggles that have shaped another person's life. Remembering this can help us respond with greater patience and understanding.
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Understanding Can Reduce Differences
Waterman suggests that many disagreements might seem smaller if we could truly understand one another. Seeing life from another person's point of view can help replace judgment with compassion.
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Hidden Struggles Deserve Compassion
Life brings difficulties that others may know nothing about. A little kindness can make a difference when someone is carrying burdens we cannot see.
-
Forgiveness Can Strengthen Friendship
Understanding does not mean that every hurt or disagreement disappears, but it can make forgiveness easier. When we approach each other with grace, friendships have a better opportunity to heal and grow.
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Conclusion
To Know All Is To Forgive All offers a simple reminder that there is often more to a person than what we see. Behind words, actions, and differences may be experiences and struggles that we know nothing about.
We may never completely understand another person's story, but we can choose to approach people with kindness, patience, and a willingness to listen. Sometimes greater understanding is exactly what is needed to make forgiveness possible and friendship stronger.
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