Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most renowned peace activists in history. He was a leader of the Indian independence movement and is also celebrated for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. Here are 74 Gandhi quotes on peace that will inspire you!
About Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi was one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century. Born into a family of merchants in 1869, Gandhi quickly became interested in social justice and equality issues. As he grew older, he began to travel around India and study the conditions faced by people living under colonial rule. He was soon convinced that nonviolent activism was the best way to mobilize people and gain independence from Britain.
In 1915, Gandhi launched his first major campaign against British rule, known as the Dandi Salt March. Over several weeks, Gandhi led a band of followers on a long trek through India as they protested against unfair taxation laws and demanded greater autonomy for their communities.
The protest was highly effective, gaining widespread public support and inspiring thousands of other nonviolent activists throughout India. This momentum culminated in 1947 with Indian independence from British rule, largely due to Gandhi’s inspirational leadership and unwavering commitment to nonviolence.
Gandhi’s legacy is enduring, as his principles continue to inform political movements worldwide today. His work laid the foundations for civil rights movements throughout history and continues to inspire those who wish to create change through peaceful means. For this reason, Gandhi will always be remembered as one of the most important figures in modern history.
Here are the best Gandhi Quotes on Peace
Martin Luther King, Jr., James Lawson, and James Bevel, among others, took Gandhi’s writings into account as they laid the groundwork for the civil rights movement in the United States. Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable Gandhi quotes on peace:
1. “The future depends on what we do in the present.”- Gandhi
The future depends on our actions in the present. This is a fundamental truth that has been recognized by leaders and thinkers of all times, from Aristotle to Confucius to Nelson Mandela. What we do now will inevitably impact how things unfold in the future, whether at the individual or societal level.
For example, by taking action to address climate change and protect the environment, we can help ensure a promising future for our planet and all its inhabitants. Similarly, by leveling the playing field for everyone, we can promote greater equality and social justice for future generations.
And by striving for peace and justice today, we can safeguard these values for years to come.
2. “My life is my message.”- Gandhi
3. “Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment.”- Gandhi
4. “Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.”- Gandhi
5. “Relationships are based on four principles: respect, understanding, acceptance and appreciation.”- Gandhi
6. “It does not require money to live neat, clean, and dignified.”– Gandhi
7. “It’s easy to stand in the crowd but it takes courage to stand alone.”- Gandhi
8. “Service without humility is selfishness and egotism.”- Gandhi
9. “Speak only if it improves upon the silence.”- Gandhi
10. “Be the change you are trying to create.”- Gandhi
11. “There are two days in the year that we can not do anything, yesterday and tomorrow.”- Gandhi
Something undeniably powerful about the idea is that we only have control over the present moment. In a world filled with distractions and constant demands on our time, the notion that we can only truly influence today can feel freeing and empowering. Indeed, this central principle of mindfulness has been championed by many great thinkers throughout history, including Gandhi himself.
The wisdom of this statement lies in its recognition of just how fleeting and fragile our moment-to-moment experience really is. In focusing so intently on the past or worrying about the future, we often fail to appreciate all that is happening right now, both within ourselves and around us.
But when we ground ourselves fully in the present moment, we can live with greater awareness, mindfulness, and clarity. In doing so, we gain a deeper appreciation for life in all its richness and beauty and open ourselves up to new possibilities for growth and transformation.
12. “Hate the sin, love the sinner.”- Gandhi
13. “What barrier is there that love cannot break?”- Gandhi
14. “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”- Gandhi
15. “Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.”- Gandhi
16. “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”- Gandhi
17. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”- Gandhi
18. “Seek not greater wealth, but simpler pleasure; not higher fortune, but deeper felicity.”- Gandhi
19. “Strength does not come from winning. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”- Gandhi
20. “The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear.”- Gandhi
21. “Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.”- Gandhi
There is no doubt that we, as humans, have the ability to shape and change our world in countless ways. We have tremendous power at our disposal through innovation, invention, or simply working together toward a common goal.
However, according to the famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi, our greatest ability as human beings may actually be one that is far less obvious. Rather than focusing on our outer world and trying to manipulate it through technological advances or social change, Gandhi suggests that what truly matters is the inner transformation that takes place within each of us as individuals.
By changing ourselves from the inside out, we can view ourselves and the world around us in new and more enlightened ways. We become more compassionate and understanding, better able to see beyond our biases and preconceptions. And when this inner change extends outwards into our interactions with others and our environment, we can truly begin to make a lasting impact on the world around us.
Thus, even if we never quite achieve all of our goals in terms of societal progress or technological advancement, we can still find meaning in what we do by returning again and again to this process of inner growth and transformation. Because whether or not we are capable of changing the world just yet, at least we can always begin by changing ourselves.
22. “They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.”- Gandhi
23. “Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn.”- Gandhi
24. “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”- Gandhi
25. “Man should forget his anger before he goes to sleep.”- Gandhi
26. “In doing something, do it with love or never do it at all.”- Gandhi
27. “There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed.”- Gandhi
28. “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”- Gandhi
29.“The real ornament of a woman is her character, her purity.”- Gandhi
30. “Those who know how to think need no teachers.”- Gandhi
31. “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.”- Gandhi
When it comes to staying healthy and energized, there is perhaps nothing more important than having a positive attitude and keeping your mind at ease. And as the famous quote by Gandhi reminds us, one of the worst things we can do for our health is to worry excessively about all the things that could go wrong in our lives.
Worrying takes a physical toll on our bodies, sapping our energy and making us feel sluggish and weighed down. It also feeds negative emotions that can further damage our mental well-being.
So if we want to be truly healthy in every sense of the word, it is essential that we learn how to keep worries at bay. This may mean practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises or simply reminding ourselves that worrying never actually helps and does nothing but steal precious time and energy.
At the end of the day, what matters most is not what happens to us but rather how we respond to those circumstances. With this mindset in mind, you can be sure to embrace each day with confidence and joy, enjoying your body and all its many gifts. And with that balance between mind, body, and spirit in place, you will surely find yourself living a healthier life overall.
32. “A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.”- Gandhi
33. “Full effort is full victory.”- Gandhi
34. “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”- Gandhi
35. “Look at the sparrows; they do not know what they will do in the next moment. Let us literally live from moment to moment.”- Gandhi
36. “Truth without humility would be an arrogant caricature.”- Gandhi
37. “The real love is to love those that hate you, to love your neighbor even though you distrust him.”- Gandhi
38. “Gentleness, self-sacrifice, and generosity are the exclusive possession of no one race or religion.”- Gandhi
39. “Do not judge others. Be your own judge and you will be truly happy. If you try to judge others, you are likely to burn your fingers.”- Gandhi
40. “To lose patience is to lose the battle.”- Gandhi
41. “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.”- Gandhi
The quote by Mahatma Gandhi highlights the profound effect our thoughts can have on our lives. This idea is a central tenet of much of Gandhi’s philosophy and speaks to the power that we all have to shape our destiny through our thinking and acting. In other words, how we think and focus determines who we are in the present moment and what kind of future we create for ourselves.
At its core, this concept is about the interconnectedness of all things. Our thoughts are not simply disconnected insights or ideas; they form a complete web that shapes how we experience and interact with the world around us. So if we want to live happier and more fulfilling lives, then it is crucial that we learn to cultivate more positive and productive thoughts.
By staying focused on our goals and channeling our energy into meaningful action, we can transform ourselves inside and out, creating an existence rooted in joy, fulfillment, and purpose. And as Gandhi so wisely proclaims, what we become will ultimately be determined by the quality of our thoughts along the way.
42. “A ‘No’ uttered from deepest conviction is better and greater than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble.”- Gandhi
43. “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.”- Gandhi
44. “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles, but today it means getting along with people.”- Gandhi
45. “Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will.”– Gandhi
46. “Truth is by nature self-evident. As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear.”- Gandhi
47. “No man loses his freedom except through his own weakness.”- Gandhi
48. “My faith is brightest in the midst of impenetrable darkness.”- Gandhi
49. “Knowledge gained through experience is far superior and many times more useful than bookish knowledge.”- Gandhi
50. “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.”- Gandhi
51. “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.”- Gandhi
Humanity is vast and complex, and just because a few people commit immoral acts or hold harmful beliefs does not mean that the entire human race is inherently bad. He urges us to have faith in our fellow man and to remember that despite our flaws and mistakes, we are all part of the same human family.
Whether rich or poor, young or old, regardless of race or ethnicity, we are all connected by an underlying thread of goodness. Perhaps most importantly, Gandhi encourages us to see ourselves and others not as falling short of a perfect ideal but simply as imperfect beings trying our best to positively impact the world.
After all, even a small act can have ripple effects and leave a lasting positive impact on those around us and future generations. So let us not lose faith in humanity – through our actions and our resolve, we can be part of creating a better world for ourselves and for those who come after us. And by doing so, we ensure that every drop of the ocean remains clean for generations to come.
52. “Your action expresses your priorities.”– Gandhi
53. “The future depends on what you do today.”- Gandhi
54. “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”- Gandhi
55. “When there is war, the poet lays down the lyre, the lawyer his law reports, the schoolboy his books.”- Gandhi
56. “To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”- Gandhi
57. “A small group of determined and like-minded people can change the course of history.”- Gandhi
58. “It is the quality of our work which will please God and not the quantity.”- Gandhi
59. “To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.”- Gandhi
60. “The law of love could be best understood and learned through little children.”- Gandhi
61. “That service is the noblest which is rendered for its own sake.”- Gandhi
This idea suggests that we should always strive to act with integrity and do what we believe is right, regardless of whether or not there is an obvious benefit or reward. This doesn’t mean we should always be altruistic, simply doing things out of blind obligation without any thought towards our own wellbeing.
Rather, serving others with intention and focus while still giving value to ourselves as individuals can enable us to truly make a positive impact in the world around us. By prioritizing purpose over self-interest in our actions, we can forge meaningful connections with others and profoundly impact society as a whole.
Ultimately, it is clear that by putting the needs of others before our own desires and working for the good of all rather than just ourselves alone, we can achieve something truly remarkable. And that, surely, is something worth striving for.
62. “You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind.”- Gandhi
63. “Nobody can hurt me without my permission.”- Gandhi
64. “If we want to reach real peace in this world, we should start educating children.”- Gandhi
65. “Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong.”- Gandhi
66. “Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow-men.”– Gandhi
67. “The only tyrant I accept in this world is the still voice within.”- Gandhi
68. “When you are right, you have no need to be angry. When you are wrong, you have no right to be angry.”- Gandhi
69. “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”- Gandhi
70. “Live simply so that others may simply live.”- Gandhi
71. “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.”- Gandhi
The quote from Mahatma Gandhi speaks to the importance of tolerance and understanding in our modern world. For any society to truly thrive, it must be able to embrace diversity and find common ground among its many different members. This can be challenging, but with time, patience, and cooperation, our ability to reach unity in diversity will become more apparent.
As Gandhi notes, this unity is not only a beautiful thing to strive for but also a true test of our collective strength as a civilization. Whether working together towards a common goal or simply learning to appreciate each other’s unique perspectives and experiences, our collective ability to unite around shared values will be key in shaping the kind of world we want to live in.
72. “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.”- Gandhi
73. “Faith is not something to grasp, it is a state to grow into.”- Gandhi
74. “Nothing has saddened me so much in life as the hardness of heart of educated people.”- Gandhi
Let’s Wind Up…
Achieving peace is hard work. It requires us to be proactive and not just sit around waiting for world peace to happen. Gandhi’s quotes on peace inspire us to do our part in improving the world. His words remind us that even though the journey to peace may be long and difficult, it is worth taking because it ultimately benefits all humanity.