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 principle is the expression of perfection, and as imperfect beings like us cannot practise perfection, we devise every moment limits of its compromise in practice.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Principles represent an ideal state of perfection that we, as imperfect beings, can only strive for through compromises.
This quote by Mahatma Gandhi highlights the intrinsic conflict between the ideals we aspire to and the practical limitations of human nature. While principles symbolize a perfect state, our inherent imperfections lead us to modify and adapt these ideals into more achievable forms in our daily lives. It serves as a reminder of the tension between striving for the highest ideals and acknowledging our limitations in real-world application.
Themes
PrinciplesPerfectionImperfectionCompromiseHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about ethics in business.
More from Mahatma Gandhi
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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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