11 Inspiring Mahatma Gandhi Quotes for Character, Empowerment

This article is a small collection of powerful quotes from Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji has been an inspiration for us through books, movies and stories that we’re fed all through our upbringing. Most of these stories are about the fight for independence, and how his contributions earned him the title of father of the nation. However, I feel some of his words have a presence beyond the era of freedom fights. This article is a tribute to some of those quotes that go beyond the era of the fight for independence. The focus of these quotes is on personal development, finding the strength of character and a source of inner values that continue to inspire us and move us forward.

Live as if you were to die tomorrow, Learn as if you were to live forever

Life is never permanent, nor are our thoughts and emotions of the moment. Everything is fleeting. Sometimes, we get caught up in things and wonder if they mean more than they should. But life is temporary – if we embody this quote from Mahatma Gandhi – it tells us how temporary everything is. If we were to live as if we would die tomorrow – perhaps we would be more bold and true to our thoughts. We will not worry about things such as legacy, or trying to match up to someone else’s standards. Maybe we can look inward and try to be true to ourselves. It will also encourage us to be bold and live a life beyond fear of made-up things and notions.

On the other hand, if we were to learn as if we were to live forever, it would teach us to be wise and patient. This phrase reminds us that learning is a constant activity and will never be complete. It also takes us away from the ego of being this person who knows a lot. We keep learning because it helps us lead a better quality of life at each stage. The only permanent things are the types of lessons we carry forward to become better than we are today.

A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes – Mahatma Gandhi Quotes

This quote emphasises the power of thoughts. Normally when we think about people, their physical appearance, visible actions and their results come to our mind. But we rarely get a glimpse of what someone is thinking. These thoughts are powerful because they lay a foundation for what will happen next. We will not be able to predict the future nor will we be able to understand all thoughts. But, we might be able to ask, learn and be curious about the motivations for people’s actions. The curious mind will always try to find out why someone is doing something.

The motivation in in this quote is about man being a product of his thoughts. What are these thoughts that are shaping up an action or a belief? Are we being conscious of our thoughts and how they are influencing us? We will eventually become what we’re thinking about. If these thoughts are so powerful, perhaps we need to spend more time understanding what they are telling us and how they influence who we become eventually.

A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history

I can speak of so many values here – kindness, generosity and above all the will to remain close to his values. Sometimes, we don’t know how powerful we can be or the influence we can create. We can’t let go of something thinking that we’re too small for it. If Gandhiji inspirational quotes teach us something – it is about the ability to believe in yourself and keep pushing forward. You can make the world a better place. It takes conviction, belief and strong will. But if you believe in something strongly, it deserves everything you’ve got!

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win

Nobody likes change as these quotes by Gandhiji allude to. If you do something different, people will criticize you. The best way to avoid criticism is say nothing do nothing and be nothing. It might sound harsh but that’s the truth. The world will be scared of something different. If you believe in something, take a note from Gandhiji inspirational quotes and fight for it.

There would be nothing to frighten you if you refused to be afraid

We can be afraid of everything and anything. Fear is absolutely real, but the impact is only when we let ourselves be influenced by it. Facing fears is not easy, but giving up cannot be an answer. If fear is impacting your ability to act or take decisions, then you must find a way to coach yourself out of it.

Faith is not something to grasp, it is a state to grow into

Our beliefs are conscious efforts. In evaluating this set of inspirational quotes from Gandhi, you ought to identify what faith or belief means to you. Most importantly, waht do you want to believe in?

Be the change that you wish to see in the world – Mahatma Gandhi

This quote -be the change you wish to see in the world is probably one of my most favorite motivational quotes of Gandhiji. We can’t influence anyone else as much as we can ourself. We can sit and comment on anything in the world – talk is cheap, it is only the actions that count.

Whatever you do may seem insignificant to you, but it is most important that you do it – Mahatma Gandhi

Change, corrective action are all very difficult. It takes many small actions to make a sea change. You may get distracted and unhappy at times that nothing seems to make a difference. But it does. Between action and inaction – small actions always make a difference. You have to make sure that you do it because no one else will.

Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory – Mahatma Gandhi

Focus on the work and not the results. When you believe in something, your results are a byproduct. The beauty of your energy, conviction and commitment lies in the work you put in. These Gandhiji inspirational quotes are pointless if they don’t challenge you or make you think beyond self-imposed restrictions.

To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest – Mahatma Gandhi

I’ll conclude this set of Mahatma Gandhi’s motivational quotes with these powerful thoughts of Gandhi. If you believe in something -believe and live that life fully. Don’t lie to yourself and deny the life that’s truly yours. Live up to the values you hold so closely because they mean the most to you. Let the world be – believe in something and live it up fully.