“I look upon an increase in the power of the State with the greatest fear because, although while apparently doing good by minimizing exploitation, it does the greatest harm to mankind by destroying individuality which lies at the heart of all progress.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: Gandhi in interview with Nirmal Kumar Bose, published in 'The Modern Review,' October 1935; widely cited but exact verbatim/primary not confirmed in this pass.
About this quote
More central authority can look purely protective — it curbs the strong from exploiting the weak — yet the same reach flattens the individual initiative that drives real progress. The hidden cost: safety bought by handing ever more control upward can quietly extinguish the spark it means to guard.
When to use it
- A company that centralizes every decision curbs abuse but kills the frontline ideas that used to fuel its growth.
- A parent who controls a child's every choice prevents mistakes yet stunts the judgment the kid needs to grow.
- A school that scripts teachers minute by minute ensures consistency but drains the creativity good lessons rely on.