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
Every good movement passes through five stages, indifference, ridicule, abuse, repression, and respect.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Social movements evolve through stages from being overlooked to gaining respect.
Mahatma Gandhi's quote highlights the typical progression of social or political movements. This evolution begins with indifference, where the cause is largely ignored, followed by ridicule from opponents, then abuse as the movement gains visibility and threats rise against it. Often, these movements face repression from those in power, but ultimately they may attain respect and acceptance, signifying a profound shift in societal perceptions and values.
Themes
MovementChangeRespectEvolutionSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on social justice, to illustrate the journey of movements.
More from Mahatma Gandhi
All quotes βLove never claims, it ever gives. Love ever suffers, never resents never revenges itself.
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Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
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The real test of nonviolence lies in its being brought in contact with those who have contempt for it.
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Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
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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.
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