Richard G. Cowden

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The Global Flourishing Study suggests that forgiveness is shaped by cultural and local influences. Raphael Brasileiro/Pexels

February 23, 2026

Richard G. Cowden, Harvard University

All five African countries surveyed – Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania – were ranked in the top six most forgiving nations.

A celebration at the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ International. Faith helps South Africans flourish, according to a global survey. GCIS/Flickr

November 20, 2025

Richard G. Cowden, Harvard University

South Africans report greater inner peace, hope, forgiveness, and engagement with faith than the global norm.

Shutterstock

November 19, 2020

Victor Counted, Western Sydney University; Kenneth Pargament, Bowling Green State University, and Richard G. Cowden, Harvard University

Hope and religion can be important coping resources for people during strict lockdowns - but also a source of struggle.