Eye for an eye will make whole world blind

The phrase "an eye for an eye" is a well-known concept that has been around for centuries. It means that if someone wrongs you, you have the right to retaliate with the same amount of harm. This concept is also known as the law of retaliation or the lex talionis. The phrase "an eye for an eye" comes from the Code of Hammurabi, one of the oldest known legal codes in history. This code stated that the punishment for a crime should be equal to the harm that was inflicted on the victim. However, as Mahatma Gandhi once said, "an eye for an eye will make the whole world blind." This phrase suggests that if everyone constantly seeks revenge, the world will be plunged into darkness and chaos. In this blog, we will explore the meaning behind this phrase and why it is important to break the cycle of revenge.

The concept of an eye for an eye has been around for a long time, but it is still relevant today. We see this concept at work in many different areas of life. For example, in some countries, the death penalty is still in use. This is the ultimate example of an eye for an eye. If someone commits a heinous crime, they are put to death as punishment. Similarly, in many cultures, the idea of "blood feuds" still exists. This is where one family seeks revenge on another family for a perceived wrongdoing. In these situations, it is believed that revenge is necessary to restore honor and dignity to the offended party.
However, as Mahatma Gandhi pointed out, the cycle of revenge can quickly spiral out of control. If everyone is seeking revenge, there will never be an end to the violence. In fact, the violence will only escalate, with each side trying to one-up the other. This is why Gandhi believed that revenge was not the answer. Instead, he advocated for non-violent resistance. He believed that through peaceful means, change could be brought about without resorting to violence.
Gandhi's approach to non-violent resistance was highly effective in bringing about change. His approach was based on the idea that people should resist injustice, but without using violence. Instead, people should use peaceful means to make their voices heard. This could include protests, sit-ins, and civil disobedience. By using these methods, Gandhi was able to bring about change in India, which was then under British rule. His approach inspired many other leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, who also used non-violent resistance to bring about change.
The idea of non-violent resistance is based on the belief that people have the power to change things. This power comes from the fact that people can withdraw their consent from a system that they believe is unjust. By doing so, they can bring about change through peaceful means. This approach is very different from the concept of an eye for an eye, which is based on the idea that violence is necessary to restore justice. Instead, non-violent resistance is based on the idea that justice can be achieved without violence.
One of the main advantages of non-violent resistance is that it is much more sustainable than violence. When violence is used to bring about change, there is always the risk that the violence will spiral out of control. This can lead to even more violence and chaos. In contrast, non-violent resistance is a peaceful and sustainable way to bring about change. It allows people to express their grievances in a peaceful manner, without resorting to violence.
Breaking the cycle of revenge requires a change in mindset and a willingness to seek justice through peaceful means. It requires a recognition that violence only leads to more violence, and that the only way to achieve lasting peace is through non-violent resistance. This can be a difficult process, as it requires a great deal of patience and persistence. However, the rewards are well worth it, as non-violent resistance has been shown to be an effective way to bring about change.
In conclusion, the phrase "an eye for an eye will make the whole world blind" reminds us of the dangers of revenge and the importance of non-violent resistance. It is a call to break the cycle of violence and seek justice through peaceful means. While this can be a difficult and challenging process, it is ultimately the only way to achieve lasting peace and justice. As Gandhi once said, "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."