“I would heartily welcome the union of East and West provided it is not based on brute force.”
- October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948
- British Indian Empire
- Lawyer, religious leader, social activist, political leader
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Quote
“I would heartily welcome the union of East and West provided it is not based on brute force.”
Explanation
Gandhi’s perspective on the union of East and West emphasizes a vision of global unity founded on mutual respect and non-violence, rather than coercion or imperialism. In this quote, he advocates for a peaceful and voluntary merging of different cultural, political, and social traditions, without the use of brute force. Gandhi was deeply critical of Western colonial powers, which often imposed their will on the East through violence, exploitation, and domination. His commitment to ahimsa (non-violence) and truth shaped his belief that true unity could only emerge when all parties, both East and West, engaged in dialogue and collaboration based on justice and understanding, not subjugation.
This view reflects Gandhi’s broader philosophy of integrating spiritual wisdom from Eastern traditions with the rationality and technological advancements of the West, in a way that respects both. In modern times, this idea can be seen as an ideal for a global society where cooperation is sought in addressing challenges like inequality, war, and environmental destruction, without resorting to force or oppression.
A historical example of Gandhi’s thoughts on this can be found in his opposition to British colonial rule in India, where he rejected Western imperialism and instead called for self-rule (Swaraj) through non-violent resistance, even as he acknowledged the value in some Western advancements. Gandhi believed that true progress lay in a symbiotic relationship between the best aspects of both East and West, rather than one dominating the other.
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