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Deed Quote by Mahatma Gandhi

“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. "Hate the sin and not the sinner" is a precept which, though easy enough…” quote by Mahatma Gandhi
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““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. "Hate the sin and not the sinner" is a precept which, though easy enough to understand, is rarely practiced, and that is why the poison of hatred spreads in the world.””

Mahatma Gandhi

About This Quote

Source Speech: “On Hate and Forgiveness”, 1930

Good and bad deeds are separate from the person; judging the act, not the actor, prevents hatred from spreading.

In simple terms: Judge actions, not people, to avoid hatred.

Key Takeaway

Separate deeds from identity.

Themes

ethics forgiveness justice compassion

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

  • conflict resolution
  • justice reform
  • personal relationships
  • education

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology religion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What challenges arise when trying to hate the sin but not the sinner?
  • How can societies foster this distinction?
A Different Perspective

People may resist separating identity from actions, especially in intense conflicts.

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