The Story of My Experiments with Truth Duty Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

I had hoped to improve my status and that of my people through the British Empire. Whilst in England I was enjoying the protection of the British Fleet, and taking shelter as I did under its armed might, I was directly participating in its potential violence. Therefore, if I desired to retain my connection with the Empire and to live under its banner, one of three courses was open to me: I could declare open resistance to the war and, in accordance with the law of Satyagraha, boycott the Empire until it changed its military policy; or I could seek imprisonment by civil disobedience of such of its laws as were fit to be disobeyed; or I could participate in the war on the side of the Empire and thereby acquire the capacity and fitness for resisting the violence of war. I lacked this capacity and fitness, so I thought there was nothing for it but to serve in the war. (4.39.6)

Here, Gandhi seems to be saying that he couldn't stop war, but participating in it might show him how to do so in the future. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, and then beat 'em in the future. (Non-violently, that is.)