That nonviolence which only an individual can use is not of much use in terms of society.
What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by:

That nonviolence which only an individual can use is not of much use in terms of society.

This quote suggests that nonviolence, when practiced solely by an individual, has limited societal impact. That is to say, a single person’s commitment to nonviolence may not bring about significant change in society unless it is adopted collectively. Gandhi’s philosophy emphasizes the power of collective action and shared responsibility for social transformation.

This idea can be seen as a call to collective action. It implies that if we want to see meaningful change in our societies, such as the eradication of violence or the establishment of peace, it cannot be achieved by individuals acting alone. Instead, it requires a collective effort where everyone embraces and practices nonviolence.

In today’s world with increasing instances of conflict and violence globally, this quote serves as a reminder that peace cannot be achieved through isolated actions but through collective efforts. For instance, protests against racial discrimination or climate change demand collective participation to bring about significant changes.

In terms of personal development too this idea holds relevance. While one might choose non-violence or peaceful means at an individual level in their personal relations or conflicts – its true potential unfolds only when such attitude becomes part of group dynamics – family units, workplaces etc., thereby fostering healthier relationships and peaceful coexistence.

So essentially Gandhi’s words are both an inspiration for personal growth and societal transformation – urging us towards adopting principles like non-violence not just individually but collectively – emphasizing how small actions when multiplied can indeed make big differences.

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