“Fear of death makes us devoid both of valour and religion. For want of valour is want of religious faith.”
- 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
“Fear of death makes us devoid both of valour and religion. For want of valour is want of religious faith.”
Explanation
This quote highlights Mahatma Gandhi’s view that fear of death is not only a hindrance to personal courage (valour) but also undermines one’s spiritual integrity. For Gandhi, fear was a barrier to living a principled life, as it often led individuals to compromise their values in the face of adversity. He believed that true religious faith required fearlessness, the ability to stand for truth and justice, even when faced with the ultimate sacrifice—death itself. In his worldview, valour was not the absence of fear, but the courage to act rightly despite it.
Gandhi’s own life was a testament to this principle. During the Indian independence movement, he faced immense risks and challenges, including the constant threat of imprisonment and violence. His nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha) was based on the belief that one’s moral duty should not be swayed by fear of personal harm. His resolve and willingness to face hardship were deeply rooted in his faith in both God and the ultimate triumph of truth and justice.
In modern times, this quote can be applied to situations where people might compromise their beliefs or values out of fear—whether in personal relationships, workplace decisions, or political actions. Gandhi’s words suggest that true faith empowers individuals to confront difficult situations with bravery and integrity, and that overcoming the fear of death or failure is essential for living a life aligned with one’s moral and spiritual principles.
