“Non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good.”
- 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
“Non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes the moral responsibility of individuals not only to act in support of good but also to actively reject evil. He argues that non-cooperation with evil is a form of ethical duty, one that is as important as any action that promotes good. Gandhi believed that standing by passively in the face of injustice, oppression, or immorality is tantamount to tacit approval of those wrongs. Non-cooperation, in this sense, is not merely passive resistance, but an active moral stand against actions or systems that are unjust or corrupt. This principle is closely linked to his philosophy of ahimsa (nonviolence), which urges people to refrain from any form of harm, whether through action, speech, or even complacency.
This concept holds great relevance in modern societies, where evil often manifests in various forms such as injustice, inequality, corruption, and violence. Gandhi’s assertion calls for a deeper level of engagement and responsibility from individuals—urging them to not only seek out good but to actively challenge and resist any form of evil, whether in their personal lives or in the public sphere. By non-cooperating with evil, one helps to undermine its power and influence. Gandhi’s call for action highlights that true morality is not simply about doing good but also about opposing wrongs when they appear.
A modern example of this can be seen in social movements like the civil rights movement, #MeToo, and the ongoing fight against climate change denial. In each case, individuals and groups have chosen to non-cooperate with systems of oppression or ignorance, whether through peaceful protest, activism, or conscientious objection. These movements demonstrate that non-cooperation with evil is a powerful force for positive change, just as cooperation with good can build more just and compassionate societies. Gandhi’s quote reminds us that action against injustice is not only a right but a moral obligation, one that every individual has the duty to uphold.
