“On my part of course there was nothing to say. That was the last friendly tussle we had. It did not affect our relations in the least. I could see and appreciate the love by which all my friend’s efforts were actuated, and my respect for him was all the greater on account of our differences in thought and action.”
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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: From Gandhi's autobiography 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth'; a narrative note about a friendly disagreement with a friend.
About this quote
Disagreement doesn't have to cost a relationship. When you read the goodwill behind someone's opposing view instead of only the opposition itself, respect can deepen — you credit their motive while still holding your own line, so the argument stays about ideas rather than loyalty.
When to use it
- Two coworkers argue hard over a project's direction, then grab lunch together with the friendship intact.
- A father and his grown son disagree flatly on politics but keep calling each other every Sunday.
- Neighbors on opposite sides of a zoning vote stay on warm terms once the meeting ends.