“A policy is a temporary creed liable to be changed, but while it holds good it has got to be pursued with apostolic zeal.”
- 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
“A policy is a temporary creed liable to be changed, but while it holds good it has got to be pursued with apostolic zeal.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes the transitory nature of policies, which are often shaped by the circumstances and needs of a particular time. He suggests that while a policy may change or evolve as conditions shift, its implementation should be undertaken with dedication and commitment. The phrase “apostolic zeal” implies a level of passion, devotion, and moral urgency akin to that of a religious mission, where the pursuit of the policy is seen as not just a political or administrative task, but a matter of moral responsibility. Gandhi recognized that policies, even when temporary, serve important purposes and must be pursued with energy and focus as long as they remain relevant.
This perspective remains highly applicable in modern governance and politics, where policies often need to be adjusted in response to changing social, economic, or environmental conditions. The idea that a policy should be pursued with zeal despite its temporary nature highlights the importance of focus and determination in enacting reforms, even if those reforms are not permanent. Gandhi’s insight suggests that even when one knows that circumstances might shift and new policies will eventually take their place, the responsibility to implement current policies with integrity and enthusiasm remains.
A modern example can be found in the shifting public health policies related to issues like pandemic response or climate change. For instance, government measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic were necessarily temporary, changing as more was learned about the virus and its spread. Despite this, those policies needed to be followed with dedication and urgency to protect lives and health. Gandhi’s quote reflects the importance of staying committed to the task at hand, even knowing that circumstances will eventually require change, while ensuring that policies are pursued with the utmost commitment to their objectives.
