The Meaning of Pity and Mercy...what is the RIGHT thing to do?

[Losthuniel]

Hobbits stop and smell the roses, they notice little things and are quite content.They are gentle, and do not like violence. perhaps that state of mind, the simpler state of mind, loving Creation for its beauty, enables one to see the light in people's souls.

Yet we as humans, cannot see all of people's souls. Only God, who can see the depths and heights of our souls and minds, or past and our potential, has the wisdom and the right to deal out final judgement.

Mercy does not come as easily to humans. I think People with a more 'hobbitlike' state of mind (like Martin Luther King) have mercy come more easily to them.

as to criminals, to make them see their errors, and feel the pain of the people that they had wronged, would bring it full circle. 'what goes around comes around' philosophy. they would see that they were wrong, and perhaps try and better their lives.

Today, you don't find people who are evil with no going back (like sauron). Humanity is a mix of Good and Evil. Its sometimes bringing out the Good in us that can be challenge.

We have to count on the light in people, otherwise, we shall be swallowed in darkness