--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Man has reason, discrimination and…" description: "\"Man has reason, discrimination and free-will such as it is. The brute has no such thing. It is not a free agent, and knows no distinction between virtu..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8f/mahatma-gandhi-23_agents_man-has-reason-discrimination-and-free-w_2202697.jpg" --- # Man has reason, discrimination and free-will such as it… ![“Man has reason, discrimination and free-will such as it is. The brute has no such thing. It is not a free agent, and knows no distinction between virtue and vice, good and evil. Man, being a free agent, knows these distinctions, and when he follows his higher nature, shows himself far superior to…” quote by Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8f/mahatma-gandhi-23_agents_man-has-reason-discrimination-and-free-w_2202697.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8f/mahatma-gandhi-23_agents_man-has-reason-discrimination-and-free-w_2202697.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8f/mahatma-gandhi-23_agents_man-has-reason-discrimination-and-free-w_2202697.jpg) > “Man has reason, discrimination and free-will such as it is. The brute has no such thing. It is not a free agent, and knows no distinction between virtue and vice, good and evil. Man, being a free agent, knows these distinctions, and when he follows his higher nature, shows himself far superior to the brute, but when he follows his baser nature can show himself lower than the brute.” [Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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. Man possesses rationality, moral judgment, and free will, unlike animals which act without such capacities. This ability lets humans rise above or fall below animal behavior depending on choices. **In simple terms:** Humans can think, choose right or wrong; animals cannot. Key Takeaway Cultivate higher nature, avoid baser impulses. Themes morality free will human nature ethics self‑improvement Mood reflective serious Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - personal decision‑making - leadership - education - conflict resolution - ethical dilemmas Key Concepts rationality discrimination virtue vice higher nature baser nature Questions to Reflect On - Do you act from higher or baser nature? - How can you strengthen rational decision‑making? A Different Perspective Human freedom can be constrained by social pressures and ignorance, limiting moral choices. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Agents](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/agents/) [Brute](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brute/) [Brute Thing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brute-thing-4845584/) [Brutes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brutes/) [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Discrimination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discrimination/) [Distinction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distinction/) [Distinction Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distinction-virtue-1407291/) [Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/) [Evil man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil-man/) [Free agents](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/free-agents/) [Free will](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/free-will/) [Good and evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-and-evil/) [Higher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/higher/) [Knows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows/) [Man Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/man-reason/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Shows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shows/) [Superior Brute](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/superior-brute-4845583/) [Superiors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/superiors/) [Vices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vices/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [The motives of the best actions will not bear too strict an inquiry. 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