Skip to content

Being afraid Quote by Mahatma Gandhi

“Cowardice is impotence worse than violence. The coward desires revenge but being afraid to die, he looks to others, maybe to the government of the day, to do the work of defense for him. A coward is less than a man. He does not deserve to be a member of a society of men and women.” quote by Mahatma Gandhi
Download Open image
“Cowardice is impotence worse than violence. The coward desires revenge but being afraid to die, he looks to others, maybe to the government of the day, to do the work of defense for him. A coward is less than a man. He does not deserve to be a member of a society of men and women.”

Mahatma Gandhi

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address to the Indian National Congress, 1925

Violence stems from fear; true courage means confronting danger without relying on others for protection.

In simple terms: Violence is fear‑driven; real strength faces danger alone.

Key Takeaway

Choose personal responsibility over reliance on others.

Themes

courage violence responsibility society

Mood

determined serious

Type

philosophical political motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal conflict
  • political activism
  • defense decisions
  • community leadership

Key Concepts

fear revenge masculinity political power

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you confront fear without seeking external protection?
  • What responsibilities arise when you choose personal courage?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on external forces can undermine personal agency and collective resilience.

3.3 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Mahatma Gandhi

Explore all 3,284 Mahatma Gandhi quotes

More Being afraid quotes

Browse all 234 Being afraid quotes