We all live in the protection of certain cowardices which we call our principles.

On some positions, Cowardice asks the question, "Is it safe?" Expediency asks the question, "Is it politic?" And Vanity comes along and asks the question, "Is it popular?" But Conscience asks the question "Is it right?" And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because Conscience tells him it is right.

Gandhi himself never ruled out violence absolutely and unreservedly. He conceded the necessity of arms in certain situations. He said, "Where choice is set between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence... I prefer to use arms in defense of honor rather than remain the vile witness of dishonor.

To cowards what advice shall I offer? - nothing whatsoever have I to say.

Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly.

Where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.