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Antiques Quote by Pankaj Mishra

“I am a secularist in the Gandhian sense of the word, not the Nehruvian one. Nehru thought religion was an antique superstition which stood in the way of rational modern politics. I side with Gandhi, who wanted religious figures out of politics but also was suspicious of purely rational politics.” quote by Pankaj Mishra
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“I am a secularist in the Gandhian sense of the word, not the Nehruvian one. Nehru thought religion was an antique superstition which stood in the way of rational modern politics. I side with Gandhi, who wanted religious figures out of politics but also was suspicious of purely rational politics.”

Pankaj Mishra

About This Quote

Source Book: Age of Anger, 2017

He aligns with Gandhi's secularism, rejecting both Nehru's anti-religion stance and pure rationalism, advocating a balanced political approach.

In simple terms: Gandhi's secularism blends rationality and spirituality.

Key Takeaway

Embrace nuanced political views.

Themes

politics secularism philosophy history identity

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical political observational

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • public discourse
  • education reform

Key Concepts

Gandhian thought political theory modernism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can politics respect both reason and belief?
  • What balance best serves diverse societies?
A Different Perspective

Pure rationalism may ignore cultural values; strict secularism can alienate believers.

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