Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was an advocate and pioneer of nonviolent social protest. He was the pre-eminent political and spiritual leader of India during the Indian independence movement from Great Britain. As he said, “I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and Non-violence are as old as the hills. All I have done is to try experiments in both on as vast a scale as I could.”
My life is my message. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Where love is, there God is also. ~Mohandas Gandhi
To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest. ~Mohandas Gandhi
The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience. ~Mohandas Gandhi
There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Non-violence, which is the quality of the heart, cannot come by an appeal to the brain. ~Mohandas Gandhi
There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supercedes all other courts. ~Mohandas Gandhi
There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Man can never be a woman’s equal in the spirit of selfless service with which nature has endowed her. ~Mohandas Gandhi
There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed. ~Mohandas Gandhi
A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes. ~Mohandas Gandhi
A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Morality is the basis of things and truth is the substance of all morality. ~Mohandas Gandhi
God is, even though the whole world deny him. Truth stands, even if there be no public support. It is self-sustained. ~Mohandas Gandhi
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. ~Mohandas Gandhi
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. ~Mohandas Gandhi
I will far rather see the race of man extinct than that we should become less than beasts by making the noblest of God’s creation, woman, the object of our lust. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart. ~Mohandas Gandhi
There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for. ~Mohandas Gandhi
In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place. ~Mohandas Gandhi
I do all the evil I can before I learn to shun it? Is it not enough to know the evil to shun it? If not, we should be sincere enough to admit that we love evil too well to give it up. ~Mohandas Gandhi
I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps. ~Mohandas Gandhi
An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it. ~Mohandas Gandhi
A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave. ~Mohandas Gandhi
A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble. ~Mohandas Gandhi
An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Nobody can hurt me without my permission. ~Mohandas Gandhi
All compromise is based on give and take, but there can be no give and take on fundamentals. Any compromise on mere fundamentals is a surrender. For it is all give and no take. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Let us all be brave enough to die the death of a martyr, but let no one lust for martyrdom. ~Mohandas Gandhi
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. ~Mohandas Gandhi
An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind. ~Mohandas Gandhi
When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall — think of it, always. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Action expresses priorities. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Before the throne of the Almighty, man will be judged not by his acts but by his intentions. For God alone reads our hearts. ~Mohandas Gandhi
I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers. ~Mohandas Gandhi
I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent. ~Mohandas Gandhi
It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err. ~Mohandas Gandhi
If patience is worth anything, it must endure to the end of time. And a living faith will last in the midst of the blackest storm. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Truth is by nature self-evident. As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Be the change that you want to see in the world. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Fear has its use but cowardice has none. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Imitation is the sincerest flattery. ~Mohandas Gandhi
It is my own firm belief that the strength of the soul grows in proportion as you subdue the flesh. ~Mohandas Gandhi
It is the quality of our work which will please God and not the quantity. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Everyone who wills can hear the inner voice. It is within everyone. ~Mohandas Gandhi
I know, to banish anger altogether from one’s breast is a difficult task. It cannot be achieved through pure personal effort. It can be done only by God’s grace. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Let everyone try and find that as a result of daily prayer he adds something new to his life, something with which nothing can be compared. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Purity of personal life is the one indispensable condition for building up a sound education. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy. ~Mohandas Gandhi
I do not want to foresee the future. I am concerned with taking care of the present. God has given me no control over the moment following. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Man should forget his anger before he lies down to sleep. ~Mohandas Gandhi
It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. ~Mohandas Gandhi
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Self-respect knows no considerations. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Poverty is the worst form of violence. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Spiritual relationship is far more precious than physical. Physical relationship divorced from spiritual is body without soul. ~Mohandas Gandhi
We do not need to proselytise either by our speech or by our writing. We can only do so really with our lives. Let our lives be open books for all to study. ~Mohandas Gandhi
You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind. ~Mohandas Gandhi
You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader of India’s nonviolent independence movement, left behind a legacy that extends far beyond his remarkable actions. His words, imbued with wisdom and compassion, continue to inspire and guide people worldwide. In this exploration of Gandhi’s quotes, we delve into the profound insights that shaped his life and, in turn, have the power to illuminate our own paths.
My Life is My Message
“My life is my message.” – Mohandas Gandhi
In this succinct yet profound statement, Gandhi encapsulates his life’s philosophy. He believed that one’s actions, choices, and way of life communicate more powerfully than any words. Through his unwavering commitment to nonviolence, justice, and equality, Gandhi’s life became a testament to the principles he held dear. He reminds us that our lives, too, are a canvas on which our values and beliefs are painted for the world to see.
Where Love Is, There God Is Also
“Where love is, there God is also.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s deep spirituality and faith in the power of love are evident in this quote. He saw love as the embodiment of the divine presence in our lives. For Gandhi, love was not merely an emotion but a transformative force capable of transcending hatred, conflict, and division. It serves as a reminder that the essence of spirituality lies in acts of love, compassion, and kindness towards others.
The Integrity of Belief and Action
“To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.” – Mohandas Gandhi
This quote underscores Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to aligning beliefs with actions. He abhorred hypocrisy and emphasized the importance of living in accordance with one’s convictions. In a world often characterized by moral compromise, Gandhi challenges us to live with integrity, ensuring that our actions mirror our deepest beliefs.
The Still Small Voice of Conscience
“The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi believed in the supremacy of conscience as an inner moral compass. He recognized that the external voices and pressures of the world could never surpass the guidance provided by one’s inner sense of right and wrong. This quote encourages us to listen to that quiet voice within, as it often holds the answers to life’s most profound questions.
The Futility of Worry
“There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s perspective on worry is a powerful reminder of the toll it takes on both mind and body. He considered worry to be an affront to faith in a higher power. By urging us to relinquish our worries and place trust in a greater force, he highlights the futility of excessive concern and encourages us to find peace in faith.
The Heart-Centered Nature of Non-Violence
“Non-violence, which is the quality of the heart, cannot come by an appeal to the brain.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolence, or “ahimsa,” was central to his philosophy and a driving force behind India’s struggle for independence. He understood that nonviolence was not merely a rational choice but a matter of the heart. This quote reminds us that true nonviolence emerges from a place of deep compassion and empathy rather than a calculated decision.
The Supreme Court of Conscience
“There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s reverence for the court of conscience underscores his belief in the moral authority that transcends legal systems. He considered the judgments of one’s conscience to be the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong. This quote prompts us to prioritize ethical principles above all else and to heed the wisdom of our inner moral compass.
The Divine in the Act of Giving
“There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s deep empathy for the poor and hungry is poignantly expressed in this quote. He recognized that alleviating the suffering of others was a divine act. By emphasizing the sacredness of giving and helping those in need, Gandhi inspires us to see the divine presence in acts of compassion and charity.
The Impermanence of Life and the Quest for Knowledge
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mohandas Gandhi
This quote encapsulates Gandhi’s embrace of both the impermanence of life and the pursuit of knowledge. He encourages us to live each day fully, as if it were our last, while also fostering a commitment to lifelong learning. It reminds us that life’s brevity should inspire us to continually expand our horizons through knowledge and growth.
The Recognition of Gender-Based Service
“Man can never be a woman’s equal in the spirit of selfless service with which nature has endowed her.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s profound respect for women and their capacity for selfless service is evident in this quote. He believed that women possessed a unique ability to serve others with an unmatched spirit of sacrifice. While he recognized gender differences, he valued and celebrated the distinctive qualities that each gender brought to the service of humanity.
The Perils of Greed and the Sufficiency of Need
“There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s words serve as a stark critique of the destructive nature of human greed. He believed that the world had ample resources to meet the basic needs of every individual but cautioned against the insatiable desire for more. This quote calls upon us to reflect on our desires and the impact of unchecked greed on our planet and society.
The Power of Thought to Shape Reality
“A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.” – Mohandas Gandhi
In this quote, Gandhi emphasizes the profound influence of thoughts on one’s character and actions. He believed that our thoughts shape our reality, determining the course of our lives. This insight encourages us to cultivate positive, constructive, and ethical thoughts, recognizing their transformative power.
The Ultimate Act of Sacrifice
“A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s reference to the ultimate act of sacrifice echoes his own commitment to nonviolence. He believed that sacrificial acts for the greater good, even extending to one’s enemies, epitomized the highest form of human conduct. This quote challenges us to consider the profound impact of selfless acts on the world.
The Key to Unlocking the Day
“Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s spirituality and dedication to prayer are evident in this quote. He viewed prayer as both the beginning and the end of each day, a practice that provided spiritual nourishment and closure. This perspective reminds us of the importance of mindfulness and reflection in our daily lives.
The Primacy of Morality and Truth
“Morality is the basis of things and truth is the substance of all morality.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s commitment to truth and morality as foundational principles is encapsulated in this quote. He believed that truth was at the core of all moral principles and that morality formed the bedrock of human society. This perspective invites us to prioritize truth and morality in our own lives and interactions.
The Resilience of Truth
“God is, even though the whole world deny him. Truth stands, even if there be no public support. It is self-sustained.” – Mohandas Gandhi
This quote reflects Gandhi’s unwavering faith in the enduring nature of truth and the divine. He believed that truth persisted independently of popular opinion and public support. Gandhi’s perspective inspires us to hold steadfast to our convictions, even in the face of opposition.
The Contrast Between Christ and Christians
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi’s observation on the disparity between Christ’s teachings and the actions of some who profess Christianity highlights his disappointment with hypocrisy. He admired the principles of Christ but found that many Christians did not embody them. This quote serves as a reminder that true spirituality lies in living out one’s beliefs with authenticity and sincerity.
The Strength of Forgiveness
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” – Mohandas Gandhi
In this quote, Gandhi extols the strength required for forgiveness. He believed that forgiveness was not a sign of weakness but an attribute of the strong and morally grounded. Gandhi’s perspective challenges us to cultivate the strength to forgive, recognizing its transformative power in healing relationships and societies.
Mahatma Gandhi’s life and words continue to resonate across generations, offering profound insights into the human condition and the path toward a more just and compassionate world. His quotes serve as guiding lights, inspiring us to live with integrity, embrace nonviolence, and cultivate the values that can bring about positive change in our lives and society.