“In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.”
- 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
“In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.”
Explanation
This statement by Gandhi underscores the fundamental importance of individual conscience and the idea that personal morality or ethical decisions should not be dictated by the majority or popular opinion. Conscience is a deeply personal matter, governed by an individual’s understanding of right and wrong, and it cannot be subordinated to the views or laws of the majority when those laws conflict with one’s core beliefs. Gandhi, a staunch advocate for truth and non-violence, believed that moral principles should be upheld even when they are unpopular or go against the tide of societal norms.
Historically, this idea can be seen in Gandhi’s leadership during India’s struggle for independence from British rule, where he often acted against the oppressive laws of the colonial government. One of the most famous instances is his Salt March in 1930, where he defied the British monopoly on salt production and taxation, based on his belief in the injustice of such laws. The majority in India was largely subjugated under British rule, yet Gandhi maintained that individual acts of conscience, such as non-cooperation and civil disobedience, were the only morally right course of action.
In modern contexts, this quote encourages people to question authority when it clashes with personal beliefs, particularly in issues of human rights and social justice. It echoes the sentiments of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, who also acted against the majority’s laws when those laws were unjust. Gandhi’s message is clear: individual integrity and moral courage are vital, even if they challenge the status quo.
