“I do all the evil I can before I learn to shun it? Is it not enough to know the evil to shun it? If not, we should be sincere enough to admit that we love evil too well to give it up.”
- 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.
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Quote
“I do all the evil I can before I learn to shun it? Is it not enough to know the evil to shun it? If not, we should be sincere enough to admit that we love evil too well to give it up.”
Explanation
In this quote, Gandhi reflects on the nature of self-awareness and moral growth. He critiques the tendency to engage in wrongdoing out of ignorance or lack of understanding, only to later realize its harm. He questions whether it should not be enough to simply know what is evil and avoid it, without needing to go through the painful process of committing it before recognizing its harm.
The deeper point here is that moral development is not just about knowledge but also about intent and willpower. Gandhi suggests that if one continues to choose evil despite knowing it is wrong, the true obstacle is not ignorance but a deep attachment to the wrongdoings. In other words, people often cling to unhealthy or harmful behaviors because they derive some form of gratification or comfort from them. Sincerity in moral growth requires acknowledging this attachment and confronting the internal conflict: the truth that we may love evil more than we care to admit.
This statement calls for introspection and honesty in our moral choices. If we persist in harmful behaviors, it’s essential to acknowledge our inner motivations—whether it’s a weakness, a comfort, or even an unwillingness to change. Gandhi believed that self-discipline and purity of heart were essential for personal growth, and this quote reminds us to confront the darker aspects of our nature honestly, as only then can we genuinely transcend them.
