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
Non-violence and cowardice are contradictory terms. Non-violence is the greatest virtue, cowardice the greatest vice. Non-violence springs from love, cowardice from hate. Non-violence always suffers, cowardice would always inflict suffering. Perfect non-violence is the highest bravery. Non-violent conduct is never demoralising; cowardice always is.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Non-violence represents true bravery based on love, while cowardice is rooted in hate and causes harm.
In this quote, Gandhi asserts that non-violence is not an act of weakness but rather an expression of the highest courage, as it comes from a place of love. He contrasts this with cowardice, which leads to harm and is motivated by fear and hatred, ultimately highlighting that true strength lies in the ability to endure suffering without resorting to violence.
Themes
Non-ViolenceCourageLoveSufferingBravery
In practice
Example use cases
During a peace rally to emphasize the importance of non-violent protest.
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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