Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi highlights that anger and intolerance cloud judgment, distort perception, and hinder rational decision-making. Emotional control is essential for truth, harmony, and ethical conduct in personal and public life.
1. Anger distorts reasoning and decision-making
When anger rises, logical thinking decreases and decisions become impulsive.
Example: Neuroscience studies show the amygdala overrides the prefrontal cortex during anger, reducing rational thinking by nearly 40%.
Example: Rising road-rage cases in major Indian cities show how anger leads to harmful and violent reactions.
2. Intolerance prevents objective understanding
Intolerance creates rigid opinions and blocks dialogue.
Example: Communal tensions often arise when groups refuse to understand each other's viewpoints.
Example: Apartheid in South Africa demonstrated how intolerance can distort an entire nation’s moral compass.
3. Anger fuels conflict; calmness promotes resolution
A calm mind listens, analyses, and resolves differences peacefully.
Data: Global mediation studies show over 70% of workplace conflicts resolve faster when participants stay calm.
Example: Gandhi defused violence during communal riots through calm leadership.
4. Intolerance blocks learning and growth
Closed-mindedness prevents absorption of new ideas, leading to prejudice.
Example: Research shows students with rigid beliefs score lower in critical thinking tasks.
Example: Scientific progress slowed during the Middle Ages because intolerance suppressed innovation.
5. Public servants must overcome anger for good governance
Administrators face pressure and criticism; anger reduces fairness and professionalism.
Example: The 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission stresses emotional intelligence to avoid biased or harsh decisions.
Example: E. Sreedharan’s calm leadership style helped him manage massive public projects effectively.
Conclusion
Gandhi’s insight teaches that anger and intolerance block truth, weaken judgment, and damage relationships. Correct understanding requires patience, empathy, and emotional balance. For individuals and administrators alike, mastering emotions is essential for ethical behaviour, effective governance, and social harmony.