The Gandhian influence dominated freedom struggles on the African continent right up to the 1960s because of the power it generated and the unity it forged among the apparently powerless. Nonviolence was the official stance of all major African coalitions, and the South African A.N.C. remained implacably opposed to violence for most of its existence.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Mandela notes the influence of Gandhi on African struggles, highlighting how nonviolence unified powerless groups and remained the ANC's stance for most of its existence.
- In plain terms
- Gandhi's nonviolent methods united African freedom fighters and guided the ANC for a long time.
- What can you take from it?
- Nonviolence can unite the powerless.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is nonviolence effective?
- How does unity strengthen movements?
Another view
Nonviolence may not work against all types of oppressors.
More from Nelson Mandela
India is Gandhi's country of birth; South Africa his country of adoption. He was both an Indian and a South African citizen. Both countries contributed to his …
Permalink to quote #71 Gandhi remained committed to nonviolence; I followed the Gandhian strategy for as long as I could, but then there came a point in our struggle when the brute f…
Permalink to quote #73 If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.
Permalink to quote #70
Related quotes
Passive resistance is an all-sided sword; it can be used anyhow; it blesses him who uses it and him against whom it is used.
Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi quote #205 Gandhi remained committed to nonviolence; I followed the Gandhian strategy for as long as I could, but then there came a point in our struggle when the brute f…
Nelson MandelaNelson Mandela quote #73 If a general and his men fear death and are apprehensive over possible defeat, then they will unavoidably suffer defeat and death. But if they make up their mi…
Yoshida ShoinYoshida Shoin quote #1