"Life is like a box of chocolates..."

      I think Winston Groom wanted is as readers to view people in a different way. Too quick are we to judge others or to form opinions based on their circumstances. Each and everyone of us are big ol' two-legged piece of potential no matter what may be our obstacles.
     People looked at and treated Forrest differently because of his disability. They saw him as only an "idiot" or tool to use at their own disposal. They failed to see him as an individual. Forrest achieved great things throughout his life. And even greater when it was his desire. He found love, made good friends, and did right by his ma.
     Forrest overcame and so can we. We don't need to let peoples views of us, their opinions, or our circumstances limit us. Forrest sure didn't. I think that's what Winston Groom was trying to get at.