“Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?”
- 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
“Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?”
Explanation
In this statement, Gandhi emphasizes the essential nature of freedom to human life and dignity. He compares freedom to breath, suggesting that it is a fundamental necessity for living fully. Just as one would be willing to sacrifice anything to retain life itself, so too should one be ready to make sacrifices for the preservation and attainment of freedom. The quote underscores that freedom is not a mere luxury or privilege—it is a core element of human existence.
This sentiment was central to Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and self-rule. For him, the struggle for independence was not just a political goal, but a moral imperative. Under British colonial rule, India’s freedom had been stripped away, and Gandhi viewed this as a denial of the basic human right to live with dignity and autonomy. He believed that individuals and nations should be willing to endure suffering, even make great sacrifices, to achieve freedom because it is the very essence of human life.
In a broader, timeless sense, this quote reminds us that freedom—whether personal, political, or social—holds a supreme value. It is something for which individuals and nations have historically fought and, at times, died. In modern contexts, it could refer to the fight for civil rights, freedom of expression, or freedom from oppression, suggesting that these freedoms are worth any sacrifice to preserve, as they form the foundation of human dignity and existence.
