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
A man who is truthful and does not mean ill even to his adversary will be slow to believe charges even against his foes. He will, however, try to understand the viewpoints of his opponents and will always keep an open mind and seek every opportunity of serving his opponents.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being truthful fosters understanding and compassion, even towards adversaries.
This quote by Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and open-mindedness in our interactions, particularly with people we may consider our enemies. A truly honest person, who seeks to understand the perspectives of others and holds no ill will, will be cautious in judging or believing negative accusations about their adversaries, choosing instead to approach situations with empathy and a willingness to serve others.
Themes
TruthfulnessUnderstandingOpen-MindednessCompassionAdversaryService
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about political opinions, one might use this quote to encourage respectful discourse.
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
Do you think it is only a little thing to possess a house from which lovely things can be seen?
Teresa Of AvilaRead
The human mind always makes progress, but it is a progress in spirals.
Madame De StaelRead
Forever, and forever, farewell, Cassius! If we do meet again, why, we shall smile; If not, why then this parting was well made.
William ShakespeareRead
All that glisters is not gold; Often have you heard that told: Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold: Gilded tombs do worms enfold.
William ShakespeareRead
As a singer, I've had many opportunities to travel, and one thing I've learned is that through my music, I can be accepted by people all over the world. I often wonder why so many of us can't accept people who are different here, in our country? It's just not fair to be prejudiced against those whose race, religion or colour aren't the same as ours.
Celine DionRead
The mechanism that directs government cannot be virtuous, because it is impossible to thwart every crime, to protect oneself from every criminal without being criminal too; that which directs corrupt mankind must be corrupt itself; and it will never be by means of virtue, virtue being inert and passive, that you will maintain control over vice, which is ever active: the governor must be more energetic than the governed.
Marquis De SadeRead