“I might be ready to embrace a snake, but, if one comes to bite you, I should kill it and protect you.”
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Attribution note
Circulated under his name via the 'Bhagavad Gita According to Gandhi' framing, yet no reliable primary citation surfaces; the wording cannot be tied to a dated Gandhi text.
Likely origin: Attributed to Gandhi in Gita-commentary compilations; no dated primary source located. Echoes his stance on protective force, but the exact wording is unverified.
Review the attribution sourceAbout this quote
Accepting risk for yourself is one thing; standing by while someone weaker is harmed is another. Personal gentleness does not require passivity — there is a duty to step in and shield the vulnerable, even when doing so costs you your own composure or safety.
When to use it
- A lifeguard who will brave the cold water herself but pulls a struggling swimmer out first.
- A parent who tolerates their own discomfort yet steps between a bully and their child.
- A supervisor who absorbs criticism personally but shields a junior from an abusive client.