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
How can one be compelled to accept slavery? I simply refuse to do the master's bidding. He may torture me, break my bones to atoms and even kill me. He will then have my dead body, not my obedience. Ultimately, therefore, it is I who am the victor and not he, for he has failed in getting me to do what he wanted done.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy and inner strength in resisting oppression.
Mahatma Gandhi's quote reflects a profound understanding of the nature of freedom and resistance. It asserts that true victory lies not in physical domination or coercion, but in the unwavering spirit of an individual who chooses to reject subjugation. Even in the face of extreme suffering, an individual retains their dignity and power by refusing to obey unjust demands. This sentiment underscores the belief that integrity and self-determination are paramount, and that the oppressor ultimately fails if they cannot obtain the compliance of their victim.
Themes
SlaveryFreedomOppressionResistanceAutonomyVictory
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech advocating for civil rights, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of standing firm against injustice.
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
It is important not only to have the awareness and to feel impelled to become involved, it's important that there be a forum out there to which one can relate, an organization- a movement.
Angela DavisRead
'Blacks were too scared to do anything, but they came out to greet James Meredith': That would have been the story in the evening news if I hadn't gotten myself shot. I got shot, and that allowed the movement protest thing to take over then and do their thing.
James MeredithRead
Arm yourselves, and be ye men of valor, and be in readiness for the conflict; for it is better for us to perish in battle than to look upon the outrage of our nation and our altar.
Winston ChurchillRead
I grant men the land, the government, the wealth, all the chances. I accept that you have to hold all the cards, since that's the only way you know how to play; but I refuse to swallow your disrespect.
Pierre BeaumarchaisRead
All Marines, sailors and civilian Marines, regardless of sexual orientation, are Marines first. Every Marine is a valued member of our war-fighting team.
James F. AmosRead
War: First day in the U.S. Army, the government placed a Bible in my left hand, a bayonet in the other.
Edward AbbeyRead