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To kill these (rabid) dogs, in my opinion, amount to…

“To kill these (rabid) dogs, in my opinion, amount to himsa, but I believe it to be inevitable if we are to escape much greater himsa.” quote by Mahatma Gandhi
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“To kill these (rabid) dogs, in my opinion, amount to himsa, but I believe it to be inevitable if we are to escape much greater himsa.”

Mahatma Gandhi

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Killing rabid dogs is seen as necessary violence to prevent greater suffering, reflecting a moral dilemma.

In simple terms: Sometimes harm is needed to prevent worse harm.

Key Takeaway

Weigh lesser harms against greater threats.

Themes

ethics violence necessity

Mood

serious reflective

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • animal control
  • public safety
  • philosophical debate

Key Concepts

masāhā self‑defense moral calculus

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is violence justified?
  • What alternatives exist?
A Different Perspective

Assumes violence is justified without alternatives.

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