“It has always been a mystery to me how men can feel themselves honoured by the humiliation of their fellow beings.”
- 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
“It has always been a mystery to me how men can feel themselves honoured by the humiliation of their fellow beings.”
Explanation
In this quote, Gandhi expresses his profound disbelief and discomfort at the idea that some individuals find honor or self-worth in humiliating others. This speaks to the injustice and inequality that exists when one person’s elevation is achieved by demeaning or degrading another. Gandhi emphasizes that true honor cannot arise from oppressing or demeaning others, for it betrays human dignity and contradicts the very principles of justice and non-violence he advocated.
At a broader level, the quote critiques the social structures that reward the subjugation of others. Honor, in Gandhi’s view, should not be measured by one’s ability to assert dominance or humiliate fellow humans, but by one’s commitment to equality, compassion, and respect for all. This mystery he speaks of suggests a fundamental disconnect between genuine human dignity and the shallow, oppressive systems that perpetuate these attitudes.
The quote has relevance in both historical and contemporary contexts, where systems of power, whether in politics, business, or culture, sometimes derive legitimacy or authority through the subjugation of others. It challenges us to reflect on how true honor can only be achieved through respecting others, and that human dignity is never served by humiliating or belittling anyone. Mutual respect and equality are the hallmarks of a just society, and honor is truly earned by lifting others, not by tearing them down.
