Gandhi was born in India in 1869.In his earlier years, Gandhi studied law in London before moving to South Africa to work. During his twenty-one years in South Africa he fought against discrimination aimed at the Indian people. His time in South Africa lead to him becoming a political activist. On this permanent return to India in 1915 he joined the Indian National Congress and became heavily involved in the fight for India’s independence from the British Empire.
His belief in non-violent protest is legendary.
Gandhi is known for many wonderful quotes. Here are ten to
contemplate.
“A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.”
If you consider yourself a failure, you will have a hard time creating your own version of success. Your thoughts both negative and positive had a profound effect on your reality. Be proactive in reducing and eliminating negative
thoughts. Have exceptional thoughts, be exceptional.
“Action expresses priorities.”
If you think a certain task is a priority in your life, yet you are not taking action to move forward in the completion of that task, you need to have a closer look at your priorities. Perhaps you are not being entirely honest in your evaluation of what is important to you. If this is the case, take the time to re-examine what your priorities are then take action to express those priorities.
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but
not every man’s greed.”
This is one of the reasons many people have adopted a minimalist lifestyle. Over-consumption and greed have had a severe effect on our environment, people, wildlife and economy. Have a heartfelt look at what and how much you need to be fulfilled and happy. You may be enlightened and surprised by the results.
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
Gandhi was a strong believer in non-violent protest. Hopefully your life is violence free however other more common forms of ‘eye for an eye’ may still prevail. Holding petty grudges, seeking revenge, getting back at people, making others purposely suffer will ultimately
leave you feeling empty.
“A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.”
Too often people say yes when they really mean no. They agree to actions, conversations and projects that they would rather not be involved in. Saying yes can lead to resentment, bitterness and indifference. Stick to your convictions, be strong in your resolve and say yes only
when you mean it.
“Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to
be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.”
How often do we seek validation, acceptance and peace from within ourselves? More likely these factors are influenced by external and let’s face it unreliable sources. A complete stranger criticises us and our confidence crumbles. Our boss comments negatively on our work and we are thrown into turmoil. Instead trust and nurture your
inner voice.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what
you do are in harmony.”
Harmony in today’s society can be a rare and precious thing. Living in harmony means tuning into your core values. If your values conflict with one another, you may struggle to achieve a sense of harmony and balance. Gandhi summed it up best. When what you think, say and do align you can find true happiness.
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
Forgiveness is not easy. It takes courage and strength to forgive people who have wronged us. It is better to forgive and move on, rather than being stuck in the anger and
torment of the past.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes
from an indomitable will.”
Strength comes in many forms. It comes in the ability to be there for your children after you have suffered a personal loss or betrayal. It comes in being available to help someone else when you yourself feel lost or lonely. Strength comes from doing what you know to be right, despite it not being the easy choose.
“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
This is by far my favourite Gandhi quote. It is filled with hope, wonder, encouragement and a sense of purpose. If you want to see more kindness, be kind to others. If you seek forgiveness, then be more forgiving.
Be open to opportunity, caring, patience and equality. Above all be open to love and kindness.
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