Skip to content

Government Quote by Mahatma Gandhi

“Our nonviolence in respect of the Government is a result of our incapacity for effective violence.” quote by Mahatma Gandhi
Download Open image
“Our nonviolence in respect of the Government is a result of our incapacity for effective violence.”

Mahatma Gandhi

About This Quote

Source Speech: Nonviolent Resistance, Mahatma Gandhi, 1930

Violence is avoided because we lack the power to use it effectively, so we choose nonviolence.

In simple terms: We choose nonviolence due to lack of effective violent power.

Key Takeaway

Embrace nonviolent methods when force is ineffective.

Themes

nonviolence power ethics

Mood

determined reflective

Type

ethical strategic

When to use this quote

  • civil rights movements
  • personal conflict resolution
  • community organizing

Key Concepts

political philosophy strategic restraint

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can nonviolent strategies be made more compelling?
  • When is force justified?
A Different Perspective

Nonviolence may be seen as passive and can be exploited by aggressive opponents.

3.4 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Mahatma Gandhi

Explore all 3,284 Mahatma Gandhi quotes

More Government quotes

Browse all 21,248 Government quotes