What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Gandhi argues that the outcome of violence and destruction is equally tragic for victims regardless of the political ideology used to justify it.
- In plain terms
- Victims suffer the same way no matter what name the attacker uses for their cause.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on the human cost of violence rather than the political labels attached to it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does the justification of war matter if the outcome is the same?
- How do we evaluate the morality of actions based on intent vs outcome?
Another view
The quote assumes all forms of destruction are equally bad without distinguishing between defensive and offensive violence.
More from Mahatma Gandhi
We must respect other religions, even as we respect our own. Mere tolerance thereof is not enough.
Permalink to quote #241 Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.
Permalink to quote #243 We must always seek to ally ourselves with that part of the enemy that knows what is right.
Permalink to quote #240
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