In this episode of Worklife, Adam Grant interviews psychologist Michael McCullough about the psychology of forgiveness. They discuss the motivations behind seeking and granting forgiveness, the risks involved, and the impact of resentment on well-being. McCullough explains that people weigh the risks of seeking forgiveness, such as potential retaliation, against the desire to repair relationships. They also explore how people decide whether to forgive someone, emphasizing the importance of considering the future impact of the relationship rather than dwelling on the past. Grant and McCullough delve into the nuances of asking for forgiveness, cultural differences in forgiveness, and strategies for letting go of grudges by reframing the meaning of past harms.
