“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
- 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
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi critiques the idea of retributive justice—the belief that wrongs should be corrected by inflicting a similar harm upon the wrongdoer. He emphasizes that this approach, which mirrors the Old Testament principle of “an eye for an eye,” ultimately results in perpetuating violence and suffering, rather than resolving the underlying conflict. Gandhi’s view is rooted in his core belief in non-violence (ahimsa), which asserts that responding to harm with harm only intensifies the cycle of hatred, resentment, and destruction. Instead, he advocates for forgiveness, understanding, and compassion as ways to break this cycle and heal both individuals and societies.
Gandhi’s message is particularly significant in the context of his work for Indian independence and his efforts to foster interfaith understanding and national unity. He faced constant challenges in addressing the violence and divisions between different religious and social groups in India. His philosophy called for breaking the cycle of revenge by choosing to respond with love and reconciliation, even in the face of intense hostility. This principle became a central tenet of his political activism, as he encouraged people to resist oppression through peaceful means, without resorting to violent retaliation.
In today’s world, this quote remains highly relevant, especially in the context of ongoing conflicts and wars, where cycles of violence often escalate rather than resolve disputes. It serves as a reminder that revenge or punishment aimed at restoring justice can lead to even greater losses and suffering for all involved. The message encourages societies and individuals to seek out peaceful solutions and reconciliation rather than perpetuating harm. It also invites reflection on the moral consequences of adopting retributive justice in our personal and collective actions, and it challenges us to choose understanding over violence.
