“I am wedded to India because I owe my all to her. I believe absolutely that she has a mission for the world. She is not to copy Europe blindly. India's acceptance of the doctrine of the sword will be the hour of my trial. I hope I shall not be found wanting. My religion has no geographical limits. If I have a living faith in it, it will transcend my love for India herself. My life is dedicated to service of India through the religion of nonviolence which I believe to be the root of Hinduism. Meanwhile I urge those who distrust me, not to disturb the even working of the struggle that has just commenced, by inciting to violence in the belief that I want violence. I detest secrecy as a sin. Let them give nonviolence, non-cooperation a trial and they will find that I had no mental reservation whatsoever.”
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Source: The Doctrine of the Sword, Young India, 1920, by M. K. Gandhi; Wikiquote sourced entry.
About this quote
Deep loyalty and higher principle can coexist, but one has to outrank the other. Gratitude can bind you completely to a place or group, yet the moment that group betrays your core value, principle must win — otherwise the loyalty owns you rather than the reverse.
When to use it
- A doctor devoted to their hospital still reports unsafe practices, because patient safety outranks the institution.
- A lifelong fan of a team refuses to excuse cruel behavior from its supporters.
- An employee loyal to the company won't lie to a customer to protect its image.

