The changes in the society and the world culture is due to the phenomenal role of the leaders. From driving the freedom movement to bringing the people together for a noble purpose, spreading peace, love and cooperation, Mahatma Gandhi is one of the significant leaders whose principles are working as the guiding light for all the generations.
After completing his law education, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was disturbed with the atrocities and injustice by the British rulers on the local people. He dedicated his life to fight against the injustice through peaceful and non-violent means. In the initial thirty years he led the struggle in Africa against the injustice and autocratic British rule. Later after returning to India he led the freedom struggle through non-violent protests like Dandi March, Non-cooperation movement, Swadeshi movement and selfless service to the needy.
He gave the message of peace, equality and tolerance to the people. Despite being a scholar and an influential personality, Gandhi led a simple and hard life by weaving the thread on a hand-operated spinning wheel called Charkha. He advocated simplicity and self-reliance for better and meaningful life. He wrote many articles in newspapers, books and periodicals about his views on secular nationalism ensuring a life of peace, justice and equality for all.
Quotes by Mahatma Gandhi
Let us explore some of the inspiring quotes of Mahatma and the underlying philosophy behind them.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
This remark from Mahatma Gandhi clears the mind of illusions. The real identity of a human being is in his ability to serve other people. He believed that God resides in other people so service to humanity is the true service to God. The man who respects and loves others will always comes forward to help and serve them.
Life is very uncertain. The feeling or imagination of death is very sad and fearful. When one images of his death the next day, he will lose his ego and focus on being good to the people unconditionally. The individual will aim for making the most out of the present day. He then mentions that learning uplifts the individuals and conditions his thinking making him aware of himself and his responsibilities. Education empowers people to achieve high goals. This is a very uplifting and enriching quote of Gandhi. He said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Speaking of the human character that defines the strong people. He believes that strength doesn’t come from muscle power, it is the mindset that defines the strength of the individual. To forgive, it takes a lot of courage, understanding and faith that the people and conditions will change. He quoted that “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
An excellent philosopher and a learned man who was very pragmatic in his thoughts and believes that the change begins from our own selves. Several people advocate change but expect the change from others only. This creates a difference between their words and actions causing a disbelief in the people. Everything begins from us and so does the change. We must begin practising the change ourselves before we expect it from the others. This inspiring quote is applicable even today. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
A mind that is calm and clear can listen, hear and be ready for the communication with other people. Similar to the water surface cannot show reflection in muddy or unsteady with ripples or waves; a mind filled with anger and intolerance is already occupied with wrong things and assumptions cannot talk or create a peaceful dialogue. He purposefully advocates the approach of peace, understanding and non-violence. If one does not agree on certain point, then there should be an open dialogue to negotiate the possibilities that can be suitable to both the individuals. Mahatma Gandhi quoted “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.”
A global leader, Mahatma Gandhi said A man is but the product of his thoughts and what he thinks he becomes. He explained that we are what we think we are. Our present reality is due to the thoughts we think. In this enlightening quote, he identifies that how come there are different types of people with different results, some are happy while other are sad. It is all because of the thoughts which leads to their behaviour and intern forms their reality.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” Through this remark, Mahatma Gandhi says that an individual’s true strength is his will power, which allows him to achieve huge dreams, create change, and make a difference in society. Physical strength is temporary however the indomitable will can empower the course of one’s life.
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Mahatma Gandhi through his quote advices everyone to be calm, kind and polite. When one communicates in decent and loving manner, people listen patiently and consider the words that are being spoken. Kindness spread the understanding and acceptance allowing a better dialogue and cooperation.
