©Prabhakar Thota via Unsplash
Peace. A word with a thousand nuances, which today, more than ever, seems like a utopia, a global goal that is still out of reach. Mahatma Gandhi, whose name means 'great soul', expressed this simple yet profound word in many ways. Here are 5 of his most famous lessons and as many quotes Gandhi left us.
Lesson 1
There are two kinds of power: one obtained through fear of punishment and the other through acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and enduring than power based on fear of punishment.
According to the Mahatma, brutal force never wins over the power of love. During these times of great turmoil and global unrest, the greatest power (which should not be underestimated) is the power that comes from the heart.
Lesson 2
What does it matter to the dead, to the orphans and the homeless, whether destruction is committed in the name of totalitarianism or freedom and democracy?
War inflicts suffering on everyone. History has countless examples of dictators destroying our world. As the life of Mahatma Gandhi proved, a peaceful world can be achieved if we learn the power of nonviolence.
He proved that we can achieve freedom, justice and democracy for humanity without killing anyone, without orphaning children and without depriving anyone of their homes due to damages caused by war.
Lesson 3
"There are many causes for which I am willing to die, but none for which I am willing to kill." According to Gandhi, at the core of our existence lies our innate desire to live a peaceful life. The greatest and noblest cause must be to bring peace to this world, even if it means making our own sacrifices rather than making others suffer.
Lesson 4
"An eye for an eye eventually makes the whole world blind," Gandhi often said. It does not matter where we live, what religion we adhere to or what culture we cultivate: in the end, we are all human beings.
Lesson 5
We must become the change we want to see in the world," preached Mahatma. Peace cannot be brought to everyone in the world unless a political leader shows that he or she is willing to change personally. This applies to everyone, not just political representatives.
5 quotes from Mahatma Gandhi
"No civilization can be considered as such if it tries to impose itself by force."
"On the day when the power of love surpasses the love of power, the world will discover peace."
"Nonviolence is the most powerful weapon ever devised by man."
"I know of no greater sin than oppressing innocents in the name of God."
"If we could erase 'I' and 'mine' from religion, politics, economics, etc., we would soon be free and bring heaven on earth."
(©GreenMe.it 2026/Managing editor : Selma Keshkire - The Press Junction/Picture : Prabhakar Thota via Unsplash)