“We may never be strong enough to be entirely nonviolent in thought, word and deed. But we must keep nonviolence as our goal and make strong progress towards it.”
- 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
“We may never be strong enough to be entirely nonviolent in thought, word and deed. But we must keep nonviolence as our goal and make strong progress towards it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi acknowledges the imperfection of human nature, suggesting that achieving absolute nonviolence in thought, word, and deed may be an unrealistic goal for most individuals. However, he emphasizes that the pursuit of nonviolence should still be a central aspiration and goal. Gandhi recognizes that while complete nonviolence may be difficult, the journey toward it—through self-awareness, restraint, and growth—is essential. The process of striving for nonviolence requires constant reflection and effort, and it is through persistent progress that one can move closer to this ideal.
This idea is consistent with Gandhi’s belief in the transformative power of personal development and the importance of cultivating virtues such as compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. Nonviolence, or ahimsa, for Gandhi was not merely a passive stance, but an active force for positive change in the world. He demonstrated this through his leadership in the Indian independence movement, where he championed nonviolent resistance to British rule, showing that even in the face of oppression and violence, one can maintain a commitment to peace and truth.
In the modern context, this quote encourages us to realistically confront our own flaws and limitations while also holding ourselves accountable to higher moral standards. While it may be impossible to eliminate all violence from our lives, whether through aggressive actions or harmful thoughts and words, Gandhi reminds us that the goal of nonviolence is worth striving for. It calls for personal growth and commitment to more peaceful ways of engaging with others, whether in our communities or on a larger, global scale. Gandhi’s message remains relevant today as a reminder that even small steps toward kindness, empathy, and understanding can have a significant impact on the world around us.
