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.
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