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
Mountains have the power to call us into their realms and there, left forever, are our friends whose great souls were longing for the heights. Do not forget the mountaineers who have not returned from the summits.
Anatoli BoukreevRead
Don't tell me to believe. Don't tell me to believe in the same God or laws that men believe in who commit these murders. Don't tell me to believe that God can bless this country and that men are judged by their peers. Who among his peers judged him? Was I there? Was the minister there? Was Harry Williams there? Was Farrell Jarreau? Was my aunt? Was Vivian? No, his peers did not judge him, and I will not believe.
Ernest GainesRead
I like the stars. It's the illusion of permanence, I think. I mean, they're always flaring up and caving in and going out. But from here, I can pretend... I can pretend that things last.
Neil GaimanRead
We are more often treacherous through weakness than through calculation.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
The true exercise of freedom is - cannily and wisely and with grace - to move inside what space confines - and not seek to know what lies beyond and cannot be touched or tasted.
A. S. ByattRead
The world leans on us. When we sag, the whole world seems to droop.
Eric HofferRead