“If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.”
- 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
“If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi underscores the importance of education and early intervention in fostering a culture of peace. He suggests that if the world is to move beyond cycles of conflict and violence, the foundational work must be done with children, who are the future leaders and decision-makers. Gandhi believed that teaching children the values of nonviolence, compassion, and cooperation from a young age would enable them to build more peaceful societies in adulthood. For Gandhi, the fight against war and violence begins not with political negotiation or military strategy, but with instilling a sense of moral responsibility and ethical values in the next generation. The concept of a “real war against war” highlights his view that lasting peace can only come through a fundamental shift in how people, especially children, are taught to think about conflict and human relationships.
This idea is especially relevant in the modern world, where global conflicts, militarization, and violence often shape the lives of children from a very young age. Gandhi’s words remind us that the solutions to conflict are not solely found in diplomatic treaties or military strategies, but in the long-term cultivation of peace through education, dialogue, and empathy. Educating children about peace—not only as a concept but as a way of life—has the potential to break the cycle of violence that has existed throughout human history.
A contemporary example of this can be seen in the work of peace education programs around the world. Organizations like Seeds of Peace and The Peace Education Program aim to teach children in conflict zones about conflict resolution, tolerance, and cooperation. These programs show that early education in peace can have a profound impact, fostering future generations that prioritize diplomacy and mutual understanding over violence. Gandhi’s call to begin with the children encourages global efforts to rethink how we educate young people, advocating for a world where peace is learned, practiced, and passed down through each generation.
