Violence is any day preferable to impotence.

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Source: Non-Violence in Peace and War (1948), Vol. 1, p. 254 (compiled from Gandhi's Harijan writings); cited on Wikiquote with a Google Books scan.

About this quote

This isn't praise for harm — it's about raw energy. Someone who resists has force that can later be redirected toward better ends, while a person frozen by fear leaves nothing to build on. Misused strength beats no strength at all, because it can still be turned around.

When to use it

  • A hot-tempered teen who pours his fighting into boxing often matures into a disciplined, level-headed competitor.
  • A pushy salesperson can be coached toward honesty, but a timid one who never speaks up gives you nothing to shape.
  • An activist who acts rashly can learn restraint, while a bystander too scared to act stays stuck where he started.