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Question

What do the following quotation mean to you?
"Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way." – Swami Vivekanand 

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2020 (Prelims) CSAT Previous Year Paper (04-Oct-2020)

This quote from Swami Vivekananda offers a profound, practical guide to ethical conduct. It presents a clear hierarchy of action rooted in compassion. The highest moral duty is active help: "if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so." This is a call to serve and alleviate suffering whenever possible.

However, the quote’s deeper wisdom addresses our limitations. If direct help is not possible, our response should not be criticism or condemnation. Instead, we must practice humble non-interference. "Fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way" is a powerful instruction in tolerance and respect for individual autonomy. It teaches that our inability to assist does not grant us the right to judge. In essence, it is a potent antidote to arrogance, advocating for a world where we either help or, at a minimum, do no harm.

Answered By:

Sarvesh Jha

Sarvesh Jha is a seasoned government exam mentor with firsthand success in top exams like IBPS PO, SBI PO, CDS, RRB JE, SSC CGL, BPSC, and CTET. Known for his deep conceptual clarity and strategic approach, he has guided over 5000 students through personalized mentorship. He has been creating well researched content for last 5 years.

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