This quote by Mahatma Gandhi speaks to the concept of collective punishment and the moral standing of such actions. Gandhi is saying that it is a cowardly act to retaliate against the relatives or co-religionists of a wrong-doer. Here, co-religionists refer to people who share the same religious beliefs. The wrong-doer is the individual who committed the act, and Gandhi argues that it is unjust to punish those who are related to them, either by blood or by shared beliefs, for the actions of one person.

This quote underscores Gandhi’s belief in individual responsibility and his rejection of collective guilt. It emphasizes the importance of not blaming or punishing a group of people for the actions of one person. This is rooted in the principle of justice, where punishment should only be meted out to those who are actually guilty.

In today’s world, this quote is highly relevant in many contexts, such as in conflict situations where entire communities or ethnic or religious groups are often targeted for the actions of a few individuals. This can be seen in instances of racial profiling, hate crimes, and even in the rhetoric that blames all members of a group for the actions of a few.

In terms of personal development, this quote encourages us to cultivate fairness and justice in our thinking and actions. It reminds us to avoid stereotyping and to treat each individual as just that – an individual, rather than a representative of a group. It also calls on us to have the courage to direct our grievances or actions towards the individuals who are actually responsible, rather than taking the easier route of blaming an entire group.

In essence, Gandhi’s quote is a call for justice, fairness, and individual responsibility. It’s a reminder that it’s not only unjust, but also cowardly to hold a group responsible for the actions of an individual.