Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or best known as Mahatma Gandhi, was one of the most influential figures of social justice in the 20th century. He was an Indian lawyer and human rights activist, born in 1869 on a British-ruled India.
As a young child, Gandhi was a severely shy boy. He didn’t have many friends but was very close to his mother, Putlibai. Gandhi was an average student who loved reading books.
Coming from a low-income family, he dropped out of the cheapest college his family could afford. And at the age of 18, Gandhi left India to study law in London, following a family friend’s advice. Though still suffering from chronic shyness, Gandhi excelled as a law student and joined the London Vegetarian Society.
In June 1921, he was called to the bar and left London to go to South Africa. On his way to South Africa, Gandhi experienced discrimination because of skin color and race aboard the train after a European passenger refused to sit beside him in the first-class carriage. This encounter awakened something in Gandhi and upon arriving in South Africa, gone was his shy demeanor.
For the 21 years he spent in South Africa, Gandhi developed his ethical, social, and political views and fought for the rights of minorities, especially his fellow Indians living in South Africa. In 1915, Gandhi returned to India.
Following the years of Gandhi’s return in India, he didn’t stop the fight for social justice and human rights. Exercising the creed of non-violent and non-co-operation protests, Gandhi went on numerous hunger strikes, which influenced many of his countrymen and women. One of the most noticeable results of Gandhi’s efforts in India’s independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
Months later, in January 1948, Gandhi was on his way to address a prayer meeting when a Hindi extremist shot him at point-blank range. Some accounts say he died immediately, while an eye witness claim he died 30 minutes later.
The whole of India mourned his death. Despite his passing, Gandhi’s efforts have influenced other social justice figures like Martin Luther King Jr. Today, India considers him as its nation’s father.
Be inspired to fight injustice as you read several of the best and famous Mahatma Gandhi quotes and sayings that explore his views on truth, change, freedom, and many more.
Table of Contents
Famous Gandhi Quotes
These timeless words capture the essence of Gandhi’s philosophy, offering guidance for any stage of life.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
— (Often attributed to Gandhi; a paraphrase of his actual message. Closest verified source: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.” — 1913)
Gandhi reminds us that transformation begins with ourselves—a message that’s as urgent now as ever.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
— (Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol. 18)
Serving others is not just selfless, but deeply fulfilling—according to Gandhi, it’s the very path to discovering who we are.
Quotes on Nonviolence (Ahimsa)
Gandhi’s doctrine of nonviolence was central to his activism and philosophy.
“Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.”
— (Speech at Kingsley Hall, 1931)
Gandhi believed nonviolence wasn’t just passive resistance, but a powerful tool for real change.
“Ahimsa is the highest ideal. It is meant for the brave, not for the cowardly.”
— (Harijan, July 20, 1935)
Here, Gandhi clarifies that nonviolence is an act of courage and strength, not weakness.
Quotes on Truth and Honesty
For Gandhi, truth—satya—was not just a value but a way of life.
“Truth never damages a cause that is just.”
— (Young India, 1924)
Honesty and integrity, Gandhi insisted, are the backbone of any movement that seeks real justice.
“The pursuit of truth does not permit violence on one’s opponent.”
— (Young India, August 11, 1920)
For Gandhi, how we pursue truth matters as much as the truth itself.
Quotes on Change and Action
Gandhi’s words continue to empower those working for change.
“An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.”
— (Young India, February 21, 1929)
Gandhi urges us to lead by example, acting rather than simply speaking about change.
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
— (Address at Kingsley Hall, London, 1931)
Even small acts, done with conviction and kindness, can have global impact.
Quotes on Peace and Forgiveness
Peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation were core to Gandhi’s worldview.
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
— (Young India, April 24, 1931)
Forgiveness, Gandhi teaches, requires immense inner strength and brings real peace.
“There is no path to peace. Peace is the path.”
— (Paraphrased from “Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.” — Harijan, May 12, 1946)
Peace, to Gandhi, isn’t a destination—it’s a practice and a way of life.
Quotes on Leadership and Service
Gandhi led through example, humility, and a lifelong commitment to service.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
— (Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol. 18)
For Gandhi, leadership meant serving others selflessly.
“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”
— (Young India, March 22, 1922)
He believed each person has the power to make a tremendous difference.
Quotes on Self-Discipline and Simplicity
A life of simplicity and discipline was essential to Gandhi’s philosophy.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
— (Often attributed; closely paraphrased from Young India, 1925)
Continuous learning and present living were guiding principles for Gandhi.
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”
— (Young India, June 29, 1929)
Simplicity and well-being, not material riches, bring genuine happiness.
Conclusion: Gandhi’s Enduring Wisdom
Mahatma Gandhi’s quotes remain a beacon for those seeking truth, peace, and positive transformation. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or working to make the world a better place, Gandhi’s words offer encouragement, clarity, and hope—reminding us that every act of courage and kindness matters.
