110 Quotes From Gandhi To Understand His Philosophy Of Life
Mahatma Gandhi was one of the most important historical personalities of the 20th century and one of the most valued Indian thinkers of modernity.
His thoughts, his pacifist philosophy and his religiosity were expressed in his numerous books and reflective writings but to become familiar with his way of thinking it is also very useful to go to his famous quotes and phrases to remember.
Gandhi believed that each person’s philosophy is expressed through their actions and that it is in the moments when personal values ​​collide that the choice of one over the other defines us.
2. Man is a product of his thoughts.
This and several other quotes from Gandhi refer to one of the characteristics of his way of thinking: the importance of focusing on the mental sphere, and not so much on the analysis of the context and environment in which one lives.
3. The weak can never forgive.
Gandhi believed that the easiest option is the one that has to do with anger and revenge.
4. Violence is the fear of the ideals of the other.
This is one of Mahatma Gandhi’s phrases in which a very simple idea is expressed: fear of what other people believe is a symptom of the weakness of one’s own way of thinking.
5. My life is the message.
Once again, it is clear that this Indian thinker did not distinguish between theory and action.
6. Nonviolence and truth are inseparable.
According to Gandhi, firmness in what one believes can never be expressed violently.
7. An eye for an eye and the whole world will be blind.
An analysis of the consequences of war and the spirals of violence.
8. Anger and intolerance are enemies of knowledge.
For Gandhi, wisdom is born from dialogue.
9. An ounce of action is worth tons of preaching.
Another of those Gandhi phrases that emphasize the need not to separate ideals from the way of life.
10. Be the change you would like to see in the world.
For this thinker, progress is based on small individual and daily decisions.
11. No one can hurt me without my permission.
Mental strength was a property highly claimed by Gandhi.
12. The truth never harms a cause that is just.
The solidity of the ideas translates into their solidity, also, in the face of evidence.
13. Those who know how to think do not need teachers.
Gandhi shows in this quote that thought is based on the autonomy of each person.
14. The future depends on what you do today.
The small details of everyday life are, according to the thought of Mahatma Gandhi, what will shape the future.
15. Fear has its uses, but cowardice does not.
This quote from Gandhi captures the idea that the important thing is to focus on objectives related to good and truth.
16. Poverty is the worst form of violence.
For Gandhi, poverty is also a form of oppression by the powerful (although it is disguised as possibilities to choose one’s own destiny and theoretically it seems easy to get out of precariousness), because it does not give options to make decisions and improve one’s quality. of life.
17. No culture can live if it tries to be exclusive.
This quote reflects the high value that dialogue and mutual understanding between various types of societies had for Gandhi.
18. When faith becomes blind, it dies.
Gandhi was a religious person, but he believed that faith has to go hand in hand with reason and the questioning of dogmas.
19. The good human being is a friend of everything that lives.
Gandhi thus expressed an idea that is widespread in several non-Western cultures: human beings are not the only forms of life that must be respected.
20. The truth remains even if it does not have public support.
In this phrase, Gandhi refers to the self-sufficiency of truth as something that does not depend on the opinions of human beings.
Other quotes from Gandhi about politics, friendship and peace
We continue with other famous quotes from the Indian leader.
21. Where there is love there is also life.
Love is the main source of good vibrations.
22. The essence of all religions is the same, only their approaches change.
A position that shows his discontent towards the dogmas and the function of some religions.
23. Faith is not something you grasp, but something you live by.
His unorthodox religiosity is fantastically reflected in this opinion.
24. Disagreement is often a sign of progress.
Democracy implies disagreement, and disagreement gives rise to better and renewed ideas and ways of acting.
25. God has no religion.
A phrase to think and reflect. Maybe God is above certain symbols and creeds, right?
26. Even if you are in the minority, the truth is the truth.
The truth only has one path, reality is objective and palpable. A lie repeated a thousand times will never become the truth.
27. Glory is in aspiring to a goal and not finishing achieving it.
The important part is on the path, and not in the goal.
28. Happiness appears when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.
An antidote against hypocrisy and sadness: act as we feel.
29. Hate the sin, love the sinner.
A way to show that peace must prevail, despite everything.
30. Believing in something and not living it is fundamentally dishonest.
Gandhi championed the need to pursue the destiny that each person feels in life.
31. Live simply so that others can simply live.
Against materialism and the desire to accumulate possessions and wealth.
32. Death is nothing more than a dream and oblivion.
Phrase free to interpret.
33. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow. Learn as if you’ll live forever.
A Gandhi classic. Carpe diem, do what you have to do, otherwise you will regret it.
34. You can’t shake hands with fists.
Another famous quote about peace and how to reach consensus with other people or groups.
35. Behavior is the mirror that shows our image.
The behavior of each person is what best defines their personality and their essence.
36. Every house is a university and the parents are the teachers.
Education, that great forgotten.
37. Solitude is a catalyst for creativity.
When you are alone, it is easier to look in your own world for ways to escape reality and create new ideas and artifacts.
38. Selfishness is blind.
Selfishness does not see from afar, it limits itself to taking the easy path, which sometimes may not lead to a good destination.
39. There is no god greater than the truth.
Another phrase about the truth and the need for human beings to be honest.
40. Love is the most powerful force that exists.
Love moves mountains.
41. For a non-violent person, the whole world is his family
The idea of ​​community with which emotional ties are established, for the pacifist, has no borders.
42. Western civilization? well, it would be an excellent idea
One of Gandhi’s phrases in which his criticism of the inconsistency of Western values ​​is expressed.
43. The cause of freedom becomes a mockery if the price to pay is the destruction of those who should enjoy freedom
Freedom is understood by Gandhi as an absolute, not something relative.
44. The most atrocious of the bad things of bad people is the silence of good people.
Inaction can become an instrument of oppression.
45. A minute that passes is irretrievable. Knowing this, how can we waste so many hours?
A reflection on the way we make the most of our time.
46. ​​The sadness of separation and death is the greatest of deceptions
Gandhi laughed at life after death and considered that not doing so was falling into an intellectual trap.
47. Victory achieved by violence is equivalent to a defeat, because it is momentary
For this reference of pacifism, the means and the ends are inseparable.
48. Impure means lead to impure ends
In line with other quotes by Gandhi, this one emphasizes the need to use strategies consistent with what one aspires to.
49. My best weapon is silent prayer
In spiritual retreat and introspection there may be a tool for social progress.
50. Gold shackles are much worse than iron ones
Oppression disguised as freedom is evil.
51. Rivers of blood will flow before we conquer our freedom, but that blood must be our own
Another of the most inspiring phrases about pacifism.
52. We win justice more quickly if we do justice to the opposing party
Gandhi points out that what we want for ourselves we must apply to others.
53. To change the world, start by transforming yourself
Collective and social change begins with oneself.
54. Man does not enjoy the power to create life. Therefore, he does not have the right to destroy it either.
A way to justify pacifism through reason.
55. A coward is not capable of showing love; doing so is reserved only for the brave
Expressing affection is an act of bravery.
56. When everyone abandons you, God stays with you
Gandhi finds a spiritual refuge in the figure of God.
57. Don’t let the sun die without your grudges having died
One of Gandhi’s phrases about hatred and its limiting nature.
58. I am a practical dreamer and I want to turn my dreams into reality
Gandhi was not content to fantasize about a better world, he wanted to create it.
59. We must not lose faith in humanity, since it is like the ocean: it does not get dirty because some of its drops are corrupted
A reflection on humanity’s potential to do good.
60. Birth and death are not two different states, but two aspects of the same state
Gandhi saw life as a path that can be traveled in two directions.
61. He who withholds something he does not need is equal to a thief
A reflection about the need to share.
62. I am humble, but at the same time an enthusiastic seeker of truth
A quote from Gandhi that reflects his philosophy of life.
63. Religion is a matter that has to do with the heart; no physical evil can keep me from her
This pacifist was a great defender of the idea that religions have a common root.
64. Each one prays to his god from his own light
In line with the previous reflection, Gandhi points out that even in private beliefs there is something in common.
65. I am prepared to die, but there is no reason why I should be prepared to kill
Death is part of life, but murder is not.
66. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in helping others
A reflection on how social relationships based on love serve to build one’s own identity.
67. Prayer is the key of the morning and the lock of the evening
One of Gandhi’s most poetic phrases, about his way of understanding prayer.
68. Morality is the foundation of things and truth is the substance of all morality
In this reflection a direct relationship is established between morality and what is true.
69. If I didn’t have a sense of humor, I would have committed suicide a long time ago.
A surprising statement about one’s own life and, at the same time, a way to emphasize the importance of a sense of humor.
70. Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in what is obtained
Gandhi reflects on the nature of contentment.
71. Self-respect knows no considerations
Maintaining dignity is an unquestionable principle, according to the philosophy of this thinker.
72. In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart
Another of Gandhi’s phrases about prayer understood as something in which feelings must be expressed.
73. Jesus is pure and perfect, but you Christians are not like him
A scathing observation about the Christian community.
74. The culture of a nation resides in the heart and soul of its people
This leader of pacifism understood culture as something living and dynamic present in the masses and not in mansions or museums.
75. Peace is its own reward
Peaceful initiatives are valuable in themselves.
76. The search for truth does not admit violence against the adversary
Another phrase that could be taken as a motto of pacifism.
77. All religions, although they differ in some aspects, unanimously point out that nothing lives in this world beyond the Truth
Another example of Gandhi’s ideology regarding the universality of religions.
78. Morality is contraband in war
A criticism of the cynicism with which morality is appealed to in wars.
79. I have worshiped women as the embodiment of sacrifice and the helpful spirit
Gandhi refers here to the gender roles traditionally associated with women.
80. Everyone can hear the inner voice; is inside everyone
A way to point out the importance of introspection.
81. There is enough in the world for man’s needs, but not for his greed.
If we all limited ourselves to consuming what we need, there would be no poverty or hunger.
82. Palestine belongs to the Arabs, as England belongs to the English or France belongs to the French.
A clear position regarding the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
83. Praying is the key to tomorrow and the lightning of the night.
Well-known phrase in which he expresses his religious convictions.
84. I wish to change their minds, not kill them for the same weaknesses we all possess.
Emphasizing the power of words and arguments.
85. Strength does not come from physical ability, it comes from an indomitable will.
Willpower is always more important than brute force.
86. There is no path to peace, peace is the path.
Without a doubt, one of the most iconic phrases that Gandhi uttered in his life.
87. What we are doing to the world’s forests is but a reflection of what we are doing to each other.
Gandhi’s views were far ahead of his time.
88. We are not yet in a civil war, but we are very close to it.
One of the last phrases he spoke before his murder.
89. I guess leadership once meant muscles, but today it means getting along with people.
Few people like Gandhi learned what leadership was in his life.
90. Almost everything you do will be insignificant, but it is important that you do it.
Gandhi believed that any small action could contribute to his cause.
91. I cannot conceive of a greater loss than the loss of self-esteem
Self-esteem is essential to achieve all our goals.
92. We have to be the change we want to see in the world.
Real change first involves an individual change in all of us.
93. When I despair, I remember that throughout history, the paths of truth and love have always triumphed. There have been tyrants, murderers, and for a time they may seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall.
Gandhi knew that no tyranny can last forever.
94. I will humbly strive to love, to tell the truth, to be honest and pure, to not possess anything that is not necessary to me, to earn my salary with work, to always be attentive to what I eat and drink.
One of the most important maxims that governed his daily behavior.
95. The most atrocious of the bad things of bad people is the silence of good people.
Gandhi placed special emphasis on the importance of mobilizing the entire world in pursuit of a greater cause.
96. Take care of your thoughts, because they will become your words. Watch your words, because they will become your actions. Take care of your actions, because they will become your habits. Take care of your habits, because they will become your destiny.
One of the main precepts that best defined Gandhi’s philosophy.
97. Tomorrow we may have to sit in front of our children and tell them that we were defeated. But we won’t be able to look them in the eye and tell them that they live like this because we don’t dare to fight.
The failure to achieve freedom for his people was one of his greatest fears.
98. I have taken upon myself the monopoly of improving only one person, and that person is myself, and I know how difficult it is to achieve it.
One of his great maxims was always to improve as a person and with those around us.
99. Our reward is found in the effort and not in the result. Full effort is full victory.
The path to success is equally or more important than the goal itself.
100. It is better to be defeated by telling the truth than to triumph by lying.
Gandhi fought hard for the truth and freedom of his country, even giving his life for it.
101. What is obtained by violence can only be maintained by violence.
One of the most profound phrases of this great activist for Indian peace.
102. Don’t listen to friends when the inner friend says: Do this!
Many of his phrases can serve as a guide for life.
103. I hate everything that is privilege and monopoly. I consider everything that cannot be shared by the crowd as taboo.
Many of his great quotes are still valid today.
104. Believing in something and not living for it is dishonest.
Gandhi lived his entire existence according to his deepest beliefs.
105. An error does not become truth because everyone believes in it.
He always fought for the truth, a good he considered above any other.
106. The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.
Kindness and peace were some of the topics this politician and activist spoke about.
107. A small group of determined spirits, inspired by an unquenchable faith in their mission, can alter the course of history.
He always knew that unity is strength, to achieve any goal.
108. I offer you peace. I offer love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I listen to your needs. I feel your feelings.
One of the most beautiful phrases that Mohandas Gandhi left us.
109. It’s pretty easy to be friendly with friends. But to befriend the one whom you consider your enemy, is the quintessence of true religion. The rest is mere business.
Many of his phrases emphasized friendship and reaching out to the supposed enemy.
110. I would like to suffer all the humiliation, all the torture, absolute ostracism and even death, to prevent violence.
Gandhi was always willing to sacrifice himself for the peace of his people.
