Gandhi’s life philosophy centers on truth, nonviolence, simplicity, self-discipline, compassion, and inner transformation, all expressed consistently in his own words and actions[6][5][1].

Truth and Nonviolence

  • Truth (“Satya”) was the bedrock of Gandhi’s thinking, summarized by his statement “Truth is God.” He believed in unwavering honesty and seeking truth in all aspects of life[6][13][8].
  • Nonviolence (“Ahimsa”) was Gandhi’s core principle: “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” He insisted on resolving conflict peacefully and opposed violence in every form[6][1][10][12].

Simplicity and Self-Discipline

  • Gandhi advocated “simple living, high thinking,” emphasizing that true happiness and progress come from mastering oneself and reducing material desires: “Live simply so others may simply live”[5][6][10].
  • Self-discipline and self-control were essential: “Discipline and self-control are the keys to effective living”[5].

Inner Transformation and Change

  • Gandhi’s famous advice, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” expresses his belief that personal transformation precedes societal change[1][11].
  • He prioritized personal responsibility and self-mastery: “To lead others, first learn to lead yourself”[5].

Compassion, Forgiveness, and Love

  • Compassion and forgiveness were hallmarks: “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”[1][10].
  • Love and empathy: “Where there is love there is life”; “Action expresses priorities”; “Service without humility is selfishness and egotism”[2][7].

Humility, Service, and Contentment

  • Gandhi promoted humility and service to others: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”[3].
  • Material possessions were not his measure of success: “Material possessions do not equate to success”; “There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed”[5][7].

Faith, Courage, and Persistence

  • He stressed the importance of faith, courage, and perseverance: “Faith is not something to grasp, it is a state to grow into”; “Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory”[7].
  • Gandhi believed persistence and hope could overcome despair: “When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won”[1].

Spirituality and Prayer

  • Prayer and self-reflection guided his actions: “Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness”[1][2].
  • He valued inner purity and spiritual growth alongside worldly action[2][6].

Gandhi summed up his outlook with the statement: “My life is my message,” indicating that his philosophy was embodied not just in his words, but most of all, in his lived example[8].

Sources [1] Mahatma Gandhi Quotes https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/5810891.Mahatma_Gandhi [2] 125 Inspiring Mahatma Gandhi Quotes To Change Your Life https://parade.com/1247073/marynliles/gandhi-quotes/ [3] 33 Quotes by Gandhi on Life and Changing the World https://www.intuitiveandspiritual.com/2017/02/33-quotes-by-gandhi-on-life-and-changing-the-world/ [4] Gandhi Quotes for a Life Well-Lived https://www.meetmindful.com/gandhi-quotes-for-a-life-well-lived/ [5] 84 Mahatma Gandhi Quotes: Truth, Patience & Courage to … https://lifearchitekture.com/blogs/quotes-affirmations/mahatma-gandhi-quotes [6] 11 Principles of Mahatma Gandhi https://testbook.com/articles/11-principles-of-mahatma-gandhi [7] Best, Famous, Success Quotes by Mahatma Gandhi https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/mahatma-gandhi-quotes-1695752672-1 [8] Mahatma Gandhi : My Life is My Message https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=151237 [9] The Essence of Mahatma Gandhi’s Philosophy and … https://theselfthinker.blog/the-essence-of-mahatma-gandhis-philosophy-and-inspiring-quotes-wisdom-for-life [10] Gandhi Jayanti: 10 life lessons that every student must … https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/gandhi-jayanti-10-life-lessons-that-every-student-must-learn-from-mahatma-gandhi/articleshow/104098551.cms [11] Mahatma Gandhi Quotes About Philosophy https://www.azquotes.com/author/5308-Mahatma_Gandhi/tag/philosophy [12] Brief outline of Gandhi’s Philosophy https://www.mkgandhi.org/articles/murphy.htm [13] Practices and beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Practices_and_beliefs_of_Mahatma_Gandhi [14] LIFE OF M.K. GANDHI: A Message to Youth of Modern India https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6515741/ [15] Gandhi’s life and principles : Truth unrevealed | Articles https://www.mkgandhi.org/articles/Gandhis-life-and-principles.php [16] Mahatma Gandhi | Biography, Education, Religion … https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mahatma-Gandhi [17] (PDF) M. K. GANDHI’S PHILOSOPHY – AN OUTLOOK https://www.academia.edu/12089926/M_K_GANDHI_S_PHILOSOPHY_AN_OUTLOOK