Had we adopted non-violence as the weapon of the strong, because we realised that it was more effective than any other weapon, in fact the mightiest force in the world, we would have made use of its full potency and not have discarded it as soon as the fight against the British was over or we were in a position to wield conventional weapons. But as I have already said, we adopted it out of our helplessness. If we had the atom bomb, we would have used it against the British.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Gandhi argues that non‑violence would be a powerful tool if used deliberately, not just out of lack of alternatives.
- In plain terms
- Non‑violence is strongest when chosen, not forced.
- What can you take from it?
- Choose non‑violent methods for their effectiveness, not just as a fallback.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What determines when non‑violence is viable?
- Can force ever be justified over peace?
Another view
Non‑violence may be less effective against heavily armed oppressors.
More from Mahatma Gandhi
If you want to give a message again to the West, it must be a message of 'Love', it must be a message of 'Truth'. There must be a conquest - [audience claps] -…
Permalink to quote #29 We need to be the change we wish to see in the world.
Permalink to quote #31 The ideally non-violent state will be an ordered anarchy. That State is the best governed which is governed the least.
Permalink to quote #28
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