“Capital as such is not evil; it is its wrong use that is evil. Capital in some form or other will always be needed.”
- October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948
- British Indian Empire
- Lawyer, religious leader, social activist, political leader
- As a leader of the Indian independence movement, he advocated non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) and contributed to India’s independence from Britain.
Quote
“Capital as such is not evil; it is its wrong use that is evil. Capital in some form or other will always be needed.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi acknowledges that capital—in its most basic sense, the financial and material resources used for production and economic activity—is not inherently evil. What Gandhi highlights as problematic is the misuse of capital, particularly when it is used to exploit or harm others, rather than being employed for just and ethical purposes. For Gandhi, the ethical use of capital was crucial; it should be directed towards fostering social well-being, justice, and sustainability, rather than being hoarded or used to further inequality and oppression. This viewpoint reflects his broader philosophy of sustainable economics and self-reliance, where wealth and resources are seen as tools for uplifting society, rather than as ends in themselves or sources of power for a few.
Gandhi’s view on capital also connects to his criticism of industrialization and the exploitation of workers. He believed that capitalism, when unchecked, often leads to the dehumanization of workers and the environmental degradation of natural resources. Gandhi called for a just economic system, one that places the welfare of people and the planet above mere profit maximization. His concept of Sarvodaya, or the welfare of all, involved the equitable distribution of wealth, ensuring that capital worked in a way that benefitted the masses, especially the poor and marginalized. Capital should serve as a means to achieve the common good, not a vehicle for the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few.
In the modern world, this quote has significant relevance in the context of global capitalism, where economic inequality, corporate greed, and the misuse of resources remain pressing issues. Gandhi’s words challenge us to reconsider how we use capital today—whether in the form of financial investments, corporate power, or natural resources—and whether these uses align with ethical principles of fairness, justice, and sustainability. The quote serves as a reminder that capital itself is neither inherently good nor bad, but its moral direction is what determines its impact. Today, more than ever, there is a call for ethical investment, social entrepreneurship, and a renewed focus on human-centered economics that places people and the environment at the center of economic decision-making. Gandhi’s perspective encourages us to seek a balance, where capital can contribute to both material progress and moral well-being.
