Mohandas Karamachand Gandhi, one of the most influential figures in modern social and political
activism, considered these traits to be the most spiritually perilous to humanity:

Peace will not come out of a clash of arms but out of justice lived and done by unarmed
nations in the face of odds.

Evolution of democracy is not possible if we are not prepared to hear the other side.

Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love.
Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent then the one derived
from fear of punishment.

A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.

Hatred ever kills, love never dies; such is the vast difference between the two.
What is obtained by love is retained for all time.
What is obtained by hatred proves a burden in reality for it increases hatred.

It may be long before the law of love will be recognized in international affairs.
The machinery's of government stand between and hide the hearts of one people
from those of another.

Man and his deed are two distinct things.
Whereas a good deed should call forth approbation,
and a wicked deed disapprobation,
the doer of the deed, whether good or wicked always deserves respect
or pity as the case may be.

Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.
It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Mohandas K. Gandhi

Gandhi was once asked what he thought about western civilization.
His response was: "I think it would be a good idea."

Copyright © Minu Hemmati, 2006