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About this quote

What does it mean?
Just as individuals want bodily autonomy, nations resent living under foreign rule regardless of the ruler's quality.
In plain terms
Nations do not want to be ruled by others, just like people do not want other bodies.
What can you take from it?
Respect national self-determination.

Where it applies

  • colonialism
  • international law
  • independence movements

Putting it to work

  • advocacy
  • negotiation
  • policy

Questions to consider

  • When is self-rule more important than order?
  • Can a nation be free without borders?

Another view

It may ignore benefits of cooperation or integration.

More from Mahatma Gandhi

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  2. Justice that love gives is a surrender; justice that law gives is a punishment

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  3. It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.

    Permalink to quote #186

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