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About this quote

What does it mean?
Gandhi asserts that his entire philosophy depends on love and non-violence being fundamental to human nature.
In plain terms
If humans are not meant to love and be peaceful, my whole argument fails.
What can you take from it?
Non-violence must be natural to be effective.

Where it applies

  • explaining non-violence
  • ethical debates
  • activism strategy

Putting it to work

  • ground arguments in human nature
  • advocate for peace

Questions to consider

  • Is non-violence innate?
  • What if humans are naturally aggressive?

Another view

It assumes a universal human nature that may not exist.

More from Mahatma Gandhi

  1. I would far rather that Hinduism died than untouchability lived.

    Permalink to quote #172
  2. If my faith burns bright, as I hope it will even if I stand alone, I shall be alive in the grave, and what is more, speaking from it!

    Permalink to quote #174
  3. I worship God as Truth only. I have not yet found Him, but I am seeking after Him

    Permalink to quote #171

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