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
An opponent is entitled to the same regard for his principles as we would expect others to have for ours. Non-violence demands that we should see every opportunity to win over opponents.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We should respect others' beliefs and seek to persuade them peacefully rather than through violence.
This quote by Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and understanding in conflicts. It suggests that just as we expect our own principles to be respected, we must extend the same courtesy to our opponents. Gandhi advocates for non-violence, proposing that rather than fighting against opposing views, we should aim to engage with them and find avenues to win people over with compassion and understanding.
Themes
RespectNon-ViolenceUnderstandingPrinciplesOpponentsPeace
In practice
Example use cases
In a public debate, one might say this quote to advocate for respectful dialogue instead of heated arguments.
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
A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!
William ShakespeareRead
A foundation in Christ was and is always to be a protection in days "when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you." In such days as we are now in--and will more or less always be in--the storms of life "shall have no power over you... because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12)
Jeffrey R. HollandRead
Conservatives reveal themselves through their care for ordinary human things, and their recognition of the fragility of decency and the need to protect it.
Roger ScrutonRead
A 'good job' can be both practically attractive while still not good enough to devote your entire life to.
Alain De BottonRead
When you look at the sun during your walking meditation, the mindfulness of the body helps you to see that the sun is in you; without the sun there is no life at all and suddenly you get in touch with the sun in a different way.
Nhat HanhRead
There is no use being alive if one must work. The event from which each of us is entitled to expect the revelation of his own life’s meaning - that event which I may not yet have found, but on whose path I seek myself - is not earned by work.
Andre BretonRead