Doubt has, however, been expressed in some quarters about the soundness of
the principle of non-violence. I cannot refuse to acknowledge that there
is a body of Indian opinion within the country as well as outside
according to which non-violence is an ideal abstraction incapable of
realisation, and that the only way in which Swaraj can ever be attained is
by the application of force and violence. I do not for a moment question
the sacrifice and patriotism of those who hold this view. I know that some
of them have suffered for the cause which they believe to be true. But may
I be permitted to point out that apart from any question of principle,
history has proved over and over again the utter futility of revolutions
brought about by force and violence. I am one of those who hold to
non-violence on principle. But let us consider the question of expediency.
Is it possible to attain Swaraj by violent means? The answer which
history gives is an emphatic "No". Take all the formidable revolutions of
the world.