I know many people loved this movie for the reasons above. However, I consider it a dangerously dishonest portrayal of the life of a person with limited mental capacity, thus not a sturdy vehicle for conveying what are otherwise very admirable and noble ideas.

Specifically, few people with Forrest's abilities are able to live alone in a mansion in which the house and grounds apparently clean and maintain themselves, without the owner needing to take any responsibility (of which he is probably not capable.) The same is true about his wardrobe, meals, etc.
Reference is made to his friend's early purchase of Apple stock on his behalf, which apparently sustains this lifestyle -- a circumstance which, needless to say, is extremely rare for any of us!

Thus, Forrest is presented as calm and serene. His patient optimism is often rewarded; but when things go badly, he always has the inner resources to deal philosophically with disappointment. Without this being stated explicitly, it is implied that these saintly qualities are somehow related to his developmental disability.

The reality of the life of most people with developmental disability is very different,and not very serene. Many are living in institutions, with all the lack of individual option that may imply. Many others are living independently on small incomes from SSI or other sources, and struggling anxiously to make it to the end of each month. Poor judgment about managing money may combine with exploitation by others, resulting in a disproportionate number becoming homeless.

Many people with developmental disabilities (like Forrest and like many of the rest of us) have affectionate and charming personalities. However, being disabled on a limited income is generally a hard life. Being persistently optimistic about the future may be seen as endearing, but in these circumstances it is often dangerously unrealistic, since their homes, meals, clothing, etc., will NOT be taken care of. To put it another way, their lives are NOT like a box of chocolates, since (even more than is the case for most of us) many apparently attractive options will lead to disaster, but you don't know this until you bite.

I think there are much better vehicles for conveying the excellent values noted by the submitter. The basically dishonest premise of Forrest Gump makes it a poor choice, in my opinion.