“The one who throws the stone forgets, but the one who is hit remembers forever.”
African Proverb
The African saying “The one who throws the stone forgets, but the one who is hit remembers forever” stresses the effect on those who get hurt versus the short memory of the one who causes the hurt. When someone throws a stone or commits an act to hurt, they may quickly forget their actions or brush them off as not significant. However, the individual who gets hurt bears the pain, the memories, and probably the repercussions for much longer. The victim’s perspective and experiences are shaped by the hurt they have endured.
This proverb also serves as a helpful reminder to all of us of the significance of thinking about how our actions affect other people. It emphasizes how important empathy is. It also prompts people to consider the potential effects of their actions and words on other people. These few words raise awareness of how we interact with one another and the impact of our actions on our relationships with others.