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Civility does not ...mean the mere outward gentleness of speech cultivated for the occasion, but an inborn gentleness and desire to do the opponent good.
Mahatma Gandhi
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Civility is an inner quality that reflects a genuine intention to do good for others, not just polite speech.

Mahatma Gandhi's quote emphasizes that true civility goes beyond superficial politeness; it is rooted in an intrinsic desire to benevolently engage with others. This perspective suggests that while outward appearances can be crafted, the true measure of civility lies in the heart’s intention to uplift and support others, including those with differing viewpoints.

Themes

CivilityGentlenessKindnessOpponentGoodwill

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate, one might use this quote to underline the importance of respectful discourse.

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