“Partition is bad. But whatever is past is past. We have only to look to the future.”
- 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
“Partition is bad. But whatever is past is past. We have only to look to the future.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi reflects on the painful and divisive Partition of India in 1947, which led to the creation of India and Pakistan and resulted in widespread violence, displacement, and suffering. Gandhi acknowledges that the Partition was a tragic event (“Partition is bad“), but he urges a focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past. His emphasis on moving forward was rooted in his belief in reconciliation and healing, encouraging people to let go of past grievances in order to build a better, more unified future. Gandhi had consistently preached the need for forgiveness, even in the face of profound injustice, as a path to social and national peace.
This message remains relevant in modern times, particularly in post-conflict societies. When communities or nations are divided by historical trauma, whether due to war, colonization, or political strife, healing often requires focusing on the future rather than continuously revisiting painful past events. For instance, in countries such as South Africa, following the end of apartheid, leaders like Nelson Mandela emphasized the need for reconciliation over revenge, advocating for a forward-looking approach to building unity.
The idea also applies to personal healing and conflict resolution. It can be seen in modern mediation and peace-building practices, where individuals or groups work to put aside past wrongs to create a constructive future. The quote underscores the importance of moving beyond historical grievances in order to create lasting peace and progress, as exemplified in the journeys of countries that have emerged from periods of division and violence.
