Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, best known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a lawyer, freedom fighter, and one of the most influential champions of social justice and nonviolent resistance in the 20th century.
Born in 1869 in British-ruled India, Gandhi grew up a shy, book-loving child who was especially close to his mother. At 18, he traveled to London to study law, where he joined the London Vegetarian Society and began forming the principles that would guide his life.
A pivotal experience with racial discrimination on a train in South Africa ignited his lifelong fight for equality. Over the next 21 years, he championed the rights of Indian minorities in South Africa before returning to India in 1915, where he became the leading figure in the nonviolent struggle for independence.
Gandhi’s peaceful resistance—through protests, marches, and hunger strikes—played a key role in India gaining independence from Britain in 1947. Tragically, he was assassinated just months later in January 1948, yet his legacy continues to inspire global movements for peace, justice, and human dignity.
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.
Fun fact: Gandhi walked about 18 kilometers a day for nearly 40 years—enough to circle the Earth twice.
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.
Gandhi 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.
Gandhi 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.
Gandhi 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.
Gandhi 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.
Gandhi 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.
Gandhi 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.
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.
