Mahatma Gandhi is known, colloquially, as the father of India and a symbol of peace. The lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist and advocate of Satya (Truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence) used methods of nonviolent protests in order to liberate India from its British rule. His work inspired other movements throughout the world, including the American Civil Rights movement, and millions of his fellow Indians considered him the Mahatma (Great Soul).
Gandhi was also an inspiration to many world leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and former President Barack Obama. Every year, an event dedicated to Gandhi called Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on his birthday, October 2. The United Nations also declared his birthday a National Day of Nonviolence in 2007.
In his memory, here are some noteworthy quotes from Gandhi, which resonate now more than ever.
"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." — All Men Are Brothers: Autobiographical Reflections, 1958
"Remember that all through history, there have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always." ― Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi: An autobiography, 1927
"For one man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department. Life is one indivisible whole." — Young India, 1927
"An unjust law is itself a species of violence." — Non-Violence in Peace and War, 1942
"An error does not become truth by any reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it. Truth stands, even if there be no public support. It is self sustained." — Young India, 1924-6
"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent." — Young India, 1925
"Service can have no meaning unless one takes pleasure in it. When it is done for show or for fear of public opinion, it stunts the man and crushes his spirit. Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served." ― Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi: An autobiography, 1927
"Nonviolence is the first article of my faith. It is also the last article of my creed." — opening words of his defense speech at his trial, Young India, 1922
"No matter how explicit the pledge, people will turn and twist the text to suit their own purpose." ― Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi: An autobiography, 1927
"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." ― Harijan, 1940
"Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary." ― Satyagraha Leaflet, 1919
"Live simply so others can simply live." ― Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi: An autobiography, 1927
