“Non-violence and truth are inseparable and presuppose one another.”
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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; consistent with his truth/ahimsa writings; no dated primary confirmed.
About this quote
You cannot stay truthful while doing harm, and you cannot stay gentle while lying — each leans on the other. Violence usually rests on some falsehood about the other side, and blunt honesty with no restraint becomes its own kind of attack.
When to use it
- A partner delivers a hard truth kindly, knowing the same words hurled as a weapon would only wound.
- A reviewer who softens bad feedback into flattery lies; one who fires it off cruelly does damage — neither is honest and fair.
- Two neighbors settle a dispute by getting the facts straight without either one turning nasty.