To forgive is not to forget. The merit lies in loving in spite of the vivid knowledge that one that must be loved is not a friend. There is not merit in loving an enemy when you forget him for a friend.
Mahatma GandhiRead
I came in contact with every known Indian anarchist in London. Their bravery impressed me, but I felt that their zeal was misguided. I felt that violence was no remedy for India's ills, and that her civilisation required the use of a different and higher weapon for self-protection. - Hind Swaraj
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mahatma Gandhi argues that violent methods are inappropriate for achieving change and that a higher moral approach is needed.
In this quote, Gandhi reflects on his encounters with Indian anarchists in London and acknowledges their bravery while criticizing their use of violence as a means to an end. He believes that true progress for India requires a shift towards non-violent and higher moral strategies, indicating a belief in the power of civilization and ethics over force and aggression.
Themes
NonviolenceBraveryCivilizationAnarchismSelf-Protection
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for peaceful protest, one might quote Gandhi to emphasize the importance of nonviolence.
More from Mahatma Gandhi
All quotes →Love never claims, it ever gives. Love ever suffers, never resents never revenges itself.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Mahatma GandhiRead
The real test of nonviolence lies in its being brought in contact with those who have contempt for it.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
Mahatma GandhiRead
The devotion of such titans of spirit as Lenin to an Ideal must bear fruit. The nobility of his selflessness will be an example through centuries to come, and his Ideal will reach perfection.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Similar quotes
There's a moon in my body, but I can't see it! A moon and a sun._x000D_ A drum never touched by hands, beating, and I can't hear it!
KabirRead
The true penance comes when God takes away the soul's health and strength for doing penance. Even though I have mentioned elsewhere the great pain this lack causes, the pain is much more intense here. All these things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted.
Teresa Of AvilaRead
Everything we do these days - our lust for ever more comfort, pleasure, and distraction, our refusal to engage with the mandates of reality, our fidelity to cults of technology and limitless growth, our narcissistic national exceptionalism - all of this propels us toward the realm where souls abandon all hope.
James Howard KunstlerRead
He had the air of a spy in a melodrama, missing nothing, liking nothing, looking forward to the great day when everything would be turned upside down.
Kurt VonnegutRead
We ask for long life, but 'tis deep life, or noble moments that signify. Let the measure of time be spiritual, not mechanical.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
People are still asking me if I knew Star Wars was going to be that big of a hit. Yes, we all knew. The only one who didn't know was George.
Carrie FisherRead