‘I am grieved to learn that people are running away from the West Punjab and I am told that Lahore is being evacuated by the non-Muslims. I must say that this is what it should not be. If you think Lahore is dead or is dying, do not run away from it, but die with what you think is the dying Lahore. When you suffer from fear you die before death comes to you. That is not glorious. I will not feel sorry if I hear that people in the Punjab have died not as cowards but as brave men. I cannot be forced to salute any flag. If in that act I am murdered I would bear no ill will against anyone and would rather pray for better sense for the person or persons who murder me.’

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Source: Statement of 6 August 1947 (The Hindustan Times, 8 Aug 1947); Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, vol. 89, p. 11.

About this quote

Fear defeats a person before any real danger arrives—you shrink and stop living while nothing has even happened yet. The counter is to stand where you are with dignity and, even facing the worst, hold no grudge against whoever brings it. Courage and non-retaliation travel together.

When to use it

  • A whistleblower speaking up despite threats rather than living paralyzed by what might come.
  • Someone facing a frightening diagnosis choosing to keep living fully instead of shrinking into dread.
  • A person forgiving the driver who injured them instead of carrying the resentment for years.