“Remember that all through history, there have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always.”
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Misattributed quote
Traced to John Briley's 1982 screenplay, not Gandhi's writings; the candidate even lists 'Gandhi: An Autobiography' as its source, which is incorrect. Later cinematic origin.
Likely origin: Dialogue written by screenwriter John Briley for the film 'Gandhi' (1982), spoken by Ben Kingsley; popularized as Gandhi's after Reagan's 1984 UN address. Not authentic Gandhi.
Review the attribution sourceAbout this quote
Often quoted as Gandhi's, this line was written by screenwriter John Briley for the 1982 film 'Gandhi' and spread after a 1984 political speech — it isn't from Gandhi's own words. The idea still holds: rule built on fear is brittle, because it governs without real consent and gives way once the fear breaks.
When to use it
- A workplace run by an intimidating boss that empties out the moment people find other jobs.
- A cheating scheme that unravels the instant one participant stops going along.
- A schoolyard bully who loses all power when classmates simply stop reacting.