“Non-violence requires a double faith, faith in God and also faith in man.”
- 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-violence requires a double faith, faith in God and also faith in man.”
Explanation
This quote emphasizes that non-violence (ahimsa) is not simply the absence of physical harm but a deeply spiritual and moral commitment that requires belief in both divine guidance and human goodness. Gandhi asserts that faith in God is essential because non-violence is rooted in a belief that the divine guides the universe toward justice, peace, and truth. Without this higher spiritual belief, the individual may struggle to maintain the commitment to non-violence, especially in the face of adversity.
The second aspect of non-violence, faith in man, highlights Gandhi’s belief in the inherent goodness of humans. Despite the flaws and conflicts in human nature, he believed that individuals could change, grow, and act with compassion if they trusted in the possibility of human transformation. This second faith underscores the idea that non-violence is not passive or naive; it is a courageous stance that believes people are capable of rising above their baser instincts when guided by love, truth, and moral strength.
In this context, faith in man involves not just hope in humanity’s potential but also a belief in the power of non-violence to change hearts and minds. Gandhi’s non-violent activism was based on the idea that even in the face of oppression, individuals could appeal to the higher moral instincts of their oppressors, urging them toward empathy and reconciliation.
Thus, the quote reflects the dual commitment required to live a life of non-violence—spiritual faith and human trust—both of which are crucial for non-violence to be transformative and enduring. Gandhi’s philosophy is a profound call to see beyond the immediate realities of conflict and violence, believing instead in the possibility of peace through mutual faith.
