Quote image editor
“In a violent worldview, the ends are deemed important enough that they may justify the use of violent or oppressive means. In the philosophy of ahimsa, however, the ends never justify the means. In fact, we realize that the means and the ends are ultimately the same, because the end must always be preexistent in the means. If we want to accomplish justice, we must behave justly; if we want to see peace, we must behave peacefully; if we want genuine brotherhood among all people, we must treat all people as our brothers and sisters. This is what Gandhi meant when he said, we must 'be the change' we wish to see in the world. We cannot have what we are not willing to be.” — Lawrence Edward Carter Sr.
In a violent worldview, the ends are deemed important enough that they may justify the use of violent or oppressive means. In the philosophy of ahimsa, however, the ends never justify the means. In fact, we realize that the means and the ends are ultimately the same, because the end must always be preexistent in the means. If we want to accomplish justice, we must behave justly; if we want to see peace, we must behave peacefully; if we want genuine brotherhood among all people, we must treat all people as our brothers and sisters. This is what Gandhi meant when he said, we must 'be the change' we wish to see in the world. We cannot have what we are not willing to be.