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About this quote

What does it mean?
Satyagraha rejects the concept of an enemy, focusing instead on truth and love.
In plain terms
You should not see anyone as an enemy when practicing nonviolence.
What can you take from it?
Treat opponents as partners in truth, not enemies.

Where it applies

  • peaceful protests
  • negotiations
  • personal ethics

Putting it to work

  • mediation
  • activism
  • reconciliation

Questions to consider

  • How do you handle an opponent who does not reciprocate?
  • Can you truly fight without making an enemy?

Another view

It may overlook genuine malicious intent from adversaries.

More from Mahatma Gandhi

  1. In the code of the Satyagrahi, there is no such thing as surrender to brute force.

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  2. In the secret of my heart I am in perpetual quarrel with God that He should allow such things [as the war] to go on. My non-violence seems almost impotent. But…

    Permalink to quote #183
  3. In spite of despair staring me in the face on the political horizon, I have never lost my peace. In fact, I have found people who envy my peace. That peace, I …

    Permalink to quote #180

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