Born on October 2, 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi, as he is known, was not only the father of our nation but also one of the most admired leaders of the world. Gandhi inspired movements for civil rights and encouraged non-violence in India’s quest for freedom. Such was the impact of his non-violent activism that inspired leaders across the world, including Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr.
That said, Gandhi’s influence was not just limited to the political arena. He also gave us food for thought on how to live a meaningful life. His words of wisdom continue to influence us in all spheres of life. The life lessons he taught us about peace, simple living, kindness and compassion, are just as relevant now as they were back then. As the nation gears up to celebrate his birthday, we have handpicked seven powerful Mahatma Gandhi quotes that can inspire us to become better individuals. Let’s take a look at them.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
Most of us are aware of our need for self-improvement. But usually, the emphasis is placed on external factors such as physical fitness or acquiring new skills. However, what we tend to forget is none of that can take us to where we want to be without the support of strong willpower. Mahatma Gandhi was living proof that strength is not just about one’s physical capacity. His spirit was indomitable, which gave him the strength to take on the mighty British empire. Physical strength is certainly helpful but that alone won’t steer you ahead in life, especially while facing challenging situations. When you have willpower, you can conquer any heights without fear.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
This Mahatma Gandhi quote advocates that we need to help others to truly discover ourselves and find happiness in our lives. While it’s important to focus on our personal needs, we can make our lives much more meaningful when we serve others. Even a small act of kindness goes a long way in creating a positive impact in your life. By helping one person every day in whatever capacity you have, you can enrich your life and enhance your sense of purpose. Even research suggests that the joy of giving lasts longer than the joy of receiving.
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
When we are hurt or betrayed by someone, we feel anger and resentment, which may cause us to seek revenge. But holding on to grudges and resentment does nothing but makes us feel worse and negatively impacts our wellbeing. On the other hand, learning how to forgive others can foster inner peace. Moreover, forgiving someone doesn’t make you look like a weak person. On the contrary, it takes a bigger heart to forgive someone for their past mistakes. If you can let go of the grudges, it will go a long way in making the world a better place.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Many people talk about bringing a change in the world, but very few know how to achieve it. This Mahatma Gandhi quote teaches us that if we want to change something, we must begin by doing it for ourselves first. We ourselves should strive to lead by example and inspire others to do the same. No matter what we do, it should reflect our principles and beliefs. For example, only when we are punctual we can teach others the value of punctuality.
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”
Focussing on our health has never been more important than now. The Covid-19 pandemic taught us that there is little use in accumulating wealth if one doesn’t have the health to enjoy it. Moreover, when we are physically fit, we will have a sense of well-being. That means we will feel happy and good about ourselves. Without good health, no matter how much we spend on material things, we will never be able to enjoy our life to the fullest.
“Faith is not something to grasp, it is a state to grow into.”
Faith is a belief that gives us strong conviction in something. It may be faith in religion or a strong trust and confidence in yourself or someone else. It’s a state of mind that can offer hope even in life’s most tumultuous situations. But no matter what, we should not grasp on to the idea of faith. Instead, we should allow ourselves to experience it and gradually understand what it means for us. That can take us places, help us determine the course of our lives, and give us the strength to fight against all odds.
“Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”
To err is human. If we don’t make mistakes, we will never learn, and hence never grow. Everyone stumbles and faces setbacks in life. Would we be able to learn how to walk if we never fell and tried getting back on our feet? We can all learn from our failures and improve in different aspects of life. That’s how we can become better. This Mahatma Gandhi quote stresses that mistakes are a part of our lives. We must give ourselves the freedom to exercise this right, and not chase perfectionism mindlessly.
Absolutely, Gandhi’s quotes hold timeless wisdom that transcends generations, addressing values like truth, nonviolence, and equality, which remain pertinent in modern times.
Gandhi’s quotes inspire by promoting principles of compassion, justice, and self-improvement. They encourage individuals to reflect on their actions and make choices that contribute to a better society.
Certainly, Gandhi’s quote “Be the change that you wish to see in the world” encourages personal responsibility and action to address societal challenges, fostering positive transformations.
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