“We win justice quickest by rendering justice to the other party.”
- 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 win justice quickest by rendering justice to the other party.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi highlights the importance of reciprocal justice in resolving conflicts and achieving lasting peace. Gandhi suggests that true justice is not about victory over an opponent, but about ensuring fairness and equity for all parties involved. By extending justice to others, even those we might consider adversaries, we foster an environment where justice can be mutually respected and upheld. This idea ties into Gandhi’s belief in the nonviolent resolution of conflicts, where justice is pursued not through domination or retribution but through respectful dialogue and understanding.
Gandhi applied this principle in his leadership of the Indian independence movement and his broader philosophy of Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance). He believed that the struggle for freedom and self-determination should not be about imposing one’s will on others, but about establishing a just society where everyone’s rights and dignity are respected. By offering justice to the colonial powers and treating them with honor, Gandhi sought to create a moral foundation for India’s freedom—a freedom that was built on principles of fairness and mutual respect, rather than on the oppression of others.
In the modern world, this quote serves as a reminder that true justice is about mutual fairness. When we seek justice only for ourselves or at the expense of others, we create cycles of conflict and resentment. However, by practicing fairness and understanding toward those with whom we disagree, we open the path to genuine reconciliation and peace. Gandhi’s words encourage us to extend justice, even to those who seem to oppose us, as a way of ultimately achieving a more just and harmonious society.
