That Gandhi Quote

[InvisibleTouch]

A poster in another thread mentioned the following quote by Gandhi:

"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall - think of it, ALWAYS."

It's a great quote, to be sure, and inspiring in the worst of times. I've seen it several times before, and I've got it saved to my "quotes file." However - isn't the reverse true as well? Isn't it true that every good, enlightened, progressive leader has eventually been brought down, violently or otherwise, by vile scum? Isn't it true that history is in fact cyclical, rather than progressing steadily toward the positive? That we have good times and bad times, and they'll follow each other in succession until the end of all eternity?

Just remember the 90's and the Clinton era of peace and prosperity. Didn't we think it would last forever? That we were "out of the woods," so to speak - the specter of nuclear war fading into a bad dream of the past, the world working toward peace and unity, environmental protection given its rightful regard and importance. And look where we are now. Look where we've been in the last 5 years. We got plunged back into the Dark Ages, with a vengeance.

I do think we're starting an upward cycle again, so I feel hopeful and positive at the moment. But the lesson I've taken from the last decade or so is, "Enjoy it while you can, because it won't last."

Thoughts?

[flowomo]

1. I think the key to that quote is the word "invincible"....

we never believe the good is "invincible" -- it is always vulnerable and must be tended with enormous care. But we sometimes fall into despair that the evil of our time is "the end evil" -- unstoppable and the final chapter. I see many posts on DU reflecting that attitude. That, as Ghandi says, is wrong.

[kpete]

2. We need an American Ghandi!!!

This is on top of my wish list for the world.

My favorite Ghandi quote:

"Action is my duty, reward is not my concern."