Morality is contraband in war

Morality is contraband in war

Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader of the Indian independence movement, was a staunch advocate for nonviolence and morality in all aspects of life, including war. He firmly believed that morality should never be compromised, even in the midst of conflict. Gandhi famously said, "I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent."

In the context of war, Gandhi's belief that morality is contraband is particularly poignant. War is often seen as a time when normal moral standards are suspended, and actions that would be considered immoral in peacetime are justified in the name of victory. However, Gandhi believed that this was a dangerous and misguided approach. He argued that true victory could only be achieved through moral means, and that any victory achieved through violence would be short-lived and ultimately destructive.

Gandhi's commitment to nonviolence was not just a philosophical belief, but a practical strategy as well. He believed that violence only begets more violence, and that the only way to break the cycle of conflict was through peaceful resistance. Gandhi's famous Salt March in 1930, where he and his followers peacefully protested British salt taxes, is a powerful example of how nonviolent resistance can be a powerful force for change.

In the context of war, Gandhi's belief in the power of morality is perhaps even more relevant. In the heat of battle, it can be easy to lose sight of moral principles and resort to violence as a means to an end. However, Gandhi would argue that this is a dangerous path to take. He believed that true victory could only be achieved through moral means, and that any victory achieved through violence would be hollow and ultimately self-defeating.