Justice does not help those who slumber but helps only those who are vigilant.
This quote emphasizes the importance of active participation in the pursuit of justice. It suggests that justice is not a passive phenomenon that automatically corrects wrongs, but rather something that requires vigilance and action to be achieved.
The phrase “those who slumber” refers to individuals who are complacent or indifferent about issues of fairness and rights. They may be unaware or uninterested in injustices happening around them, thus they do nothing to challenge or change it. In contrast, “those who are vigilant” refers to people who actively monitor their surroundings for any form of injustice, and take steps to rectify it when they see it occur.
In essence, Gandhi is conveying the idea that justice is not served merely by the existence of laws or moral codes; instead, it requires ongoing effort from individuals and communities – being alert, speaking out against wrongs, standing up for others’ rights etc.
Applying this concept in today’s world could mean becoming more aware about social issues such as racial discrimination, gender inequality or environmental degradation. It encourages us not only to educate ourselves about these problems but also take proactive steps towards addressing them – whether through advocacy work, volunteering time with relevant organizations or using our voices on social media platforms.
On a personal development level too this idea holds relevance. Just like societal justice needs vigilance so does self-improvement. We need to be constantly aware of our actions and thoughts – recognizing our flaws and areas where we can improve upon rather than ignoring them (slumbering). Only then can we truly grow as individuals.
