“The pursuit of truth does not permit violence on one's opponent.”
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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 the Introduction to his Autobiography on truth and non-violence; no dated primary confirmed this session.
About this quote
You can't force someone into agreeing with what's true. The moment you attack an opponent, you've dropped the search for truth and switched to domination. Holding to honesty means letting the other person stay standing and letting the argument win on its own merits.
When to use it
- During a heated debate, a student sticks to the evidence and never mocks the person they disagree with.
- A parent corrects a child's lie without shaming, keeping the focus on the truth itself.
- Two neighbors settle a fence dispute by laying out facts rather than spreading rumors about each other.