My nonviolence does not admit of running away from danger and leaving dear ones unprotected. Between violence and cowardly flight, I can only prefer violence to cowardice. I can no more preach nonviolence to a coward than I can tempt a blind man to enjoy healthy scenes.

Summary

In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes the idea that nonviolence does not imply passivity or retreating from situations of danger or protecting loved ones. He believes that in the face of violence or the choice to flee in fear, choosing violence over cowardice is the more preferable option. Gandhi suggests that urging a coward to embrace nonviolence is as futile as expecting a blind person to appreciate the beauty of the world. He highlights the importance of courage in standing up against violence, rather than succumbing to fear and allowing injustice to prevail.

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