Overview
Each person is accountable for their own actions, not the actions of other people.
It is safe to assume that every human being is descended from ancestors that, at some point in history, aggressed.
- For example, in the last 500 years, colonialism subjected many nations to the coercive rule of foreigners. Some of us may still be benefiting from the advantages of those conquests. Much healing is needed throughout the world, including apologies, forgiveness and reconciliation of hostilities.
- Of course, humans aggressing against each other didn’t begin with colonialism - this is an ancient pattern of human behavior beyond which we must evolve.
- For many reasons, it is very difficult to resolve crimes from history, because the evidence is lacking and witnesses have perished. Reparations are theoretically possible when the rightful owner of a property can be properly identified.
We cannot be legally liable for the actions of our ancestors or relatives. However, in line with the voluntary moral excellence that we should aspire for, there are strong arguments in support of healing divisions that may have been caused by the actions of our ancestors.
Supportive quotes from religious traditions
A son will not suffer the punishment for the father’s guilt, nor will a father suffer the punishment for the son’s guilt; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself. Old Testament Book of Ezekiel
No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. Qur’an 6:164