Gandhi is a name that is synonymous with Ahimsa or Non-violence. Known fondly in India as the Father of the Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the gentle giant, was the very personification of “Simple Living, High Thinking”. Vocal that we was in asserting India’s ability to govern itself, and having given his life to practicing the values that he preached, he is a leader who is still revered all over the world. He is one of history’s eminent civil rights leaders. Gandhi was bestowed the honorary title Mahatma (Maha+Atma = Great Soul) and is still remembered as Mahatma Gandhi. Today, his birthday, the 2nd of October, is observed the world over as International Non-violence Day.
If at a crossroads, like wanting to do something but with fear of failure looming over your head, here are some of Gandhi quotes to give you perspective.
- When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator.
- The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
- Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
- The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
- You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
- Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening.
- The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
- Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.
- A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.
- First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
- An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.
- A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.
- The seeker after truth should be humbler than the dust. The world crushes the dust under its feet, but the seeker after truth should so humble himself that even the dust could crush him. Only then, and not till then, will he have a glimpse of truth
- A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.
- The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
- 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.
- Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.
- In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
- Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
- It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver
Here are some quotes by eminent leaders and luminaries of history about Gandhi.
- “I believe that Gandhi’s views were the most enlightened of all the political men in our time. We should strive to do things in his spirit: not to use violence in fighting for our cause, but by non-participation in anything you believe is evil.” — Albert Einstein
- “To other countries, I may go as a tourist but to India I come as a pilgrim… If this age is to survive, it must follow the way of love and nonviolence that [Gandhi] so nobly illustrated in his life. — MLK Jr.
- “Gandhi remained committed to non-violence.” — Nelson Mandela
Do you have a favorite Gandhi quote you would like to share with us? We would love to hear from you.
