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
The most lively thought is still inferior to the dullest sensation.
David HumeRead
You cannot make men good by law: and without good men you cannot have a good society.
C. S. LewisRead
What a fool I was! and yet, in the sight of angels, are we any wiser as we grow older? It seems to me, only, that our illusions change as we go on; but, still, we are madmen all the same.
Joseph Sheridan Le FanuRead
My life was too short to acheive the conquest of the whole world.
Genghis KhanRead
Perhaps there should be a box on the census form that says, 'I'm a criminal.' Everyone who has ever committed a crime would be required to check it. If everyone were forced to acknowledge their own criminality, maybe we, as a nation, would second-guess our apparent zeal for denying full citizenship to those branded felons.
Michelle AlexanderRead
We believe deep down that we've lost something precious and are seeking it outside ourselves, never realizing that we are carrying it within us wherever we go.
Tsoknyi RinpocheRead