“Intolerance is a species of violence and therefore against our creed.”
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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: Attributed to Gandhi (Young India, 1920s) on tolerance as part of the satyagraha creed; no specific dated primary confirmed.
About this quote
Widening what counts as violence to include intolerance changes how you watch your own reactions. The urge to silence, exclude, or refuse to coexist with people who differ is an aggression even when no blow is struck — so a creed of nonviolence has to reach your attitudes, not just your hands.
When to use it
- A book club member who disagrees sharply still makes room for the dissenting reader instead of shutting her out.
- A manager notices he keeps interrupting a colleague with a different style and decides to hear him out.
- Neighbors of different faiths agree to share the same street rather than push each other to leave.