“the caste system as it exists to-day in Hinduism is an anachronism. It is one of those ugly things which will certainly hinder the growth of true religion. It must go if both Hinduism and India are to live and grow”
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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: Gandhi, statement on caste/untouchability (widely published in Young India, 1920s); scraped text begins lowercase 'the caste system...'.
About this quote
The argument is that a rigid hierarchy sorting people by birth has outlived any purpose and now blocks moral and social growth. Structures that treat some people as lesser have to be dismantled for a community, and the deeper values it claims to hold, to actually flourish.
When to use it
- A family firm that only promotes relatives, driving out its most capable outsiders.
- A club whose old membership rules quietly exclude newcomers and slowly leave it hollow.
- A school that tracks students by background instead of ability, capping futures early.