“We should meet abuse by forbearance. Human nature is so constituted that if we take absolutely no notice of anger or abuse, the person indulging in it will soon weary of it and stop.”
- 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
“We should meet abuse by forbearance. Human nature is so constituted that if we take absolutely no notice of anger or abuse, the person indulging in it will soon weary of it and stop.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi advocates for forbearance—the practice of patiently enduring difficult situations without reacting in kind. He suggests that by responding to anger or abuse with non-reactivity, the abuser will ultimately lose interest in their behavior, as human nature often craves a response or validation. Gandhi believed that self-control and peaceful resilience are powerful tools for defusing conflict. His approach is grounded in the principles of non-violence (ahimsa) and self-restraint, teaching that silence in the face of hostility can be more effective than confrontation.
Historically, Gandhi’s advocacy for forbearance was central to his nonviolent resistance strategy in the Indian independence movement. He promoted the idea of passive resistance (satyagraha), where one endures oppression without responding with violence, allowing the oppressor’s anger to dissipate. This method was instrumental in challenging British colonial rule and inspiring civil rights movements worldwide. His approach sought to highlight the moral superiority of patience over aggression, asserting that peaceful endurance could weaken the very foundation of tyranny and injustice.
In modern contexts, this quote encourages a calm and mindful response to hostility or criticism. It advocates for emotional intelligence and resilience in the face of provocation, reminding us that by not reacting impulsively, we can avoid escalating conflict and maintain our inner peace. This practice is increasingly relevant in today’s world of heightened social media exchanges and online arguments, where forbearance can prevent unnecessary cycles of negativity and promote more constructive interactions.
