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
That which looks for mercy from an opponent is not non-violence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True non-violence comes from strength, not desperation for mercy.
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes that seeking mercy from an opponent is a sign of weakness rather than the embodiment of true non-violence. Non-violence should stem from a position of strength and moral conviction, rather than from a place of fear or dependence on the goodwill of others; true strength lies in the ability to remain steadfast in one's beliefs without resorting to violence or coercion.
Themes
Non-ViolenceStrengthMercyOpponentPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate about conflict resolution, one might quote Gandhi to emphasize the need for strength in negotiations.
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.
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.
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