“It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business”
- Mahatma Gandhi -
Why or why not?
2007-03-28 07:15:37 · 18 answers · asked by Shinkirou Hasukage 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree absolutely.
It is not easy to see good in people who treat us as their enemy - but the inability to do it leads to chaos. Just look at some of the messages of hate, from all faiths and beliefs, that appear on this website.
Despite what some answerers have said, this statement is not linked to particular religion - I think "religion" here can be taken to mean the essential spirit within us all, the thing that makes us human. How can we hate anyone, or can they hate us, if we can recognise this spirit in each other, regardless of the "business" of organised religion?
John Steinbeck once said something (I don't have the exact reference to hand) along the lines of: once you know a man as an individual it is difficult to hate him.
Both examples of Buber's "I and Thou" perhaps.
.
2007-03-28 07:33:14 · answer #1 · answered by abetterfate 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Agree and disagree. My closest friend doesn't have exactly the same beliefs as me-We grew together and, until recently, haven't discussed it much.
Also, I'm not a businessperson. I do have friends (and my currect boyfriend) are agnostic (although, I guess I'm not-can't see the whole concept of a single deity) and I certainly am not making any money so no to the business aspect :-)
2007-03-28 07:23:29 · answer #2 · answered by strpenta 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, i do not agree that it is quintessence of true religion. I think that it is a great way to live, however.
2007-03-28 07:20:32 · answer #3 · answered by Air 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I basically agree except with the final sentence ("The other is mere business”) because Jesus said something similar:
"You heard that it was said, ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you; that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous. For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
2007-03-28 07:20:14 · answer #4 · answered by Abdijah 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
The words of Mahatma Gandhi bear no weight on the world today as he lived in his own world.
2007-03-28 07:27:15 · answer #5 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't know if that's the quintessence of true religion, but it's true that one is much harder an more honorable than the other.
2007-03-28 07:20:25 · answer #6 · answered by Beardog 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mirage, you're so kewl. Thanks for the quote from the Mahatma. I agree. Reminds me of another quote from my beloved mentor, Emerson.
"It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion--it is easy in solitude to live after your own; but the great man is he who, in the midst of the world, keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007-03-28 07:23:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I’d be greatly selfish if I go to heaven and some don’t because I’m too politically correct to rebuke others. I have to tell the truth… there cannot be 2 truths. There is just one. And it ain’t business… I don’t collect money.
2007-03-28 07:20:51 · answer #8 · answered by its_not_rocket_surgery 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I certainly agree. That sentiment is echoed in the Bible. It's easier said than done, however.
2007-03-28 07:21:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gandhi needed to shower more often. I just can't stand a stinky man.
2007-03-28 07:19:06 · answer #10 · answered by Yahoo admins are virgins 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋