Mahatma Mohandas K. GandhiMahatma Mohandas K. Gandhi, (1869-1948) Leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India

Mahatma Mohandas K. Gandhi Quote

“Non-violent resistance implies the very opposite of weakness. Defiance combined with non-retaliatory acceptance of repression from one's opponents is active, not passive. It requires strength, and there is nothing automatic or intuitive about the resoluteness required for using non-violent methods in political struggle and the quest for Truth.”

Mahatma Mohandas K. GandhiMahatma Mohandas K. Gandhi
~ Mahatma Mohandas K. Gandhi


Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

I'd love to rate this quote at least fifty times, all with the highest rate possible.

RobertSRQ
  • Reply
RobertSRQ    1/14/08

It is after all the ONLY way - one day perhaps we will practice this virtue above all others - what makes us violent? ego, greed, revenge, intolerance, and most importantly, the eating of dead flesh.

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

The practice of this method comes from the true knowledge of knowing that you are right and that you know your opponents will see the truth in time because the truth is absolute.

E Archer, NYC

This is the sole power of the People that can stand up to a militarized fascist government in America. Yes, it will be painful for many, but once we are resolute, the NWO will fall. Start with boycotting banks and credit -- do not borrow another dime! Pay off all debts -- live beneath your means, and the iniquitous system will collapse under its own weight. That is the kind of sacrifice we need now. It is a small thing compared to an armed rebellion which will only increase the government's military power and justify their oppression. Independence is not only a blessing but the force behind Liberty.

Dane
  • Reply
    Dane    1/14/08

    Nonviolent resistence only is effective against men that are basicly moral and honorable. Hungary 1954 comes to mind. Mr Archer from NYC gives great advise on peronal finance, however. Strong personal finance can make the individual stronger, but it will also strenghten our economy as it is based on individual financial power and strenghth.

    Logan, Memphis, TN

    As I have looked across the political spectrum, there is only one man I've found that still advocates peaceful civil disobedience. It is sad that the spirit that once pushed men towards freedom in the face of a moving tyranny is no longer prevelant in our society.

    Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

    Logan I took your advice and read some of John Adams quotes concerning Republic. A notable quote came I think later in his life around 1808 when he said "I never knew what a republic is." I think that understanding still exists. As far as minority rights, they are non existent unless we have majority rule. If the minority will grant the majority the right to rule then the majority will grant the minority its rights. They are opposite sides of the same coin which I call democracy. Can't have one without the other.

    E Archer, NYC

    Darn it, Waffler, get this straight -- NO ONE GIVES ANYONE RIGHTS! Not the majority, not the minority. Our rights are INHERENT (look it up), built-in, inseparable, inalienable, fixed, immovable -- PERIOD. 10 people cannot vote away the rights of an individual -- that is why America is NOT a democracy. "A republic is a nation of laws not men." (John Adams -- apparently he understood that much)

    Logan, Memphis, TN

    Thank you Archer

    Mike, Norwalk

    Waffler, we more than explained, by way of the word etymology, Supreme Court Decisions, history, etc., the difference between a Democracy and a Republic. The greatest issue with the Constitution was it was a consensus of history astute individuals. No one individual prevailed with his knowledge, ignorance, passion, or prejudice. It was united to a man that all individuals were equal to the king in inalienable rights as a faculty of birth. Can you cite the natural or lawful nexus that eliminates rights from an individual and gives those rights to an intangible third party? As per the quote, it is the individual sovereign's non-violent resistance that implies the opposite of weakness. It is democracy (the mob) that represses the quest for truth.

    StanLee, South Dakota

    To bad Gandhi's appeasing "civil disobedience" couldn't protect the idiot from being blow to pieces!

    warren, olathe

    Good for civil but not international dealings.

    Anonymous
    • Reply
      Anonymous    9/30/09

      StanLee, too bad you're too much of an idiot to spell correctly

      your face
      • Reply
      your face    9/28/12

      its awesome

      @

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