“Truth is by nature self-evident. As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear.”
- October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948
- British Indian Empire
- Lawyer, religious leader, social activist, political leader
- As a leader of the Indian independence movement, he advocated non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) and contributed to India’s independence from Britain.
Quote
“Truth is by nature self-evident. As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear.”
Explanation
Gandhi here expresses his belief that truth is inherently clear and simple, but is often obscured by ignorance and misunderstanding. He suggests that truth does not need to be constructed or invented; it is already self-evident—something that is innately known once the barriers of confusion, ignorance, and falsehood are removed.
The metaphor of “cobwebs of ignorance” is a vivid image, implying that ignorance acts like a veil or obstruction, clouding the pure nature of truth. Just as cobwebs can obscure one’s vision or perception, ignorance makes it difficult for people to recognize what is true and real. However, once these cobwebs are cleared away, truth shines clearly and becomes obvious, just as light dispels darkness.
This concept ties into Gandhi’s philosophy of satyagraha (truth-force) and non-violence. He believed that truth was the ultimate foundation of justice, and non-violence was the means to pursue it. He encouraged individuals to seek out truth through self-examination, reflection, and moral courage.
The idea also points to the universal nature of truth—once people become free from their biases and limited perspectives, they will come to understand the inherent truth that is available to all. This perspective suggests that truth is not subjective; rather, it is a universal constant that only requires clarity to be understood.
Ultimately, Gandhi’s quote speaks to the importance of mental and spiritual clarity—clearing the mind of distractions and prejudices in order to perceive the truth as it truly is. The message encourages individuals to overcome their ignorance and look beyond superficial layers to understand the deeper truths of life.
