Kaffirs are as a rule uncivilized - the convicts even more so. They are troublesome, very dirty and live almost like animals.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Gandhi describes a group of people as uncivilized and animal-like, reflecting prejudiced views from his early life.
- In plain terms
- He says some people are dirty and live like animals.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize harmful stereotypes in historical texts.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you reconcile this with his later work?
- Why was this view accepted then?
Another view
It reflects damaging bias that contradicts his later teachings.
More from Mahatma Gandhi
Justice that love gives is a surrender; justice that law gives is a punishment
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Permalink to quote #191 Just as a man would not cherish living in a body other than his own, so do nations not like to live under other nations, however noble and great the latter may…
Permalink to quote #188
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