“Anger is the enemy of non-violence and pride is a monster that swallows 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.
Quote
“Anger is the enemy of non-violence and pride is a monster that swallows it up.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi highlights two major obstacles to the practice of nonviolence (ahimsa): anger and pride. Anger disrupts the calm and peace needed for nonviolent action, leading to reactive and harmful behaviors. Pride, on the other hand, exacerbates anger by making one feel superior to others, which can create division and resentment—antithetical to the ideals of unity and love at the heart of nonviolence.
Historically, Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa required practitioners to develop control over emotions like anger, as they could lead to violence even in thought or word. He saw anger as a reaction to perceived injustices, but believed that nonviolence required a response rooted in compassion and understanding, not in violent reaction. He viewed pride as an even deeper challenge, since it feeds on ego and prevents genuine humility—a necessary quality for nonviolent resistance and peaceful coexistence.
In modern contexts, Gandhi’s insights are relevant in situations where conflicts, whether in personal relationships, politics, or social issues, can escalate when anger or pride clouds judgment. By recognizing these emotions as obstacles to peace, we can cultivate a more mindful approach to resolving conflicts. The idea is not to suppress emotions, but to transform them, channeling energy toward constructive and compassionate action. Practicing emotional intelligence, humility, and self-reflection helps us navigate complex situations without resorting to anger or letting pride dictate our actions.
