“Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow-men.”
- 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.
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Quote
“Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow-men.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi suggests that true greatness is not measured by personal achievements, wealth, or power, but by how much one contributes to the well-being of others. For Gandhi, greatness lies in selflessness and service, particularly in the efforts one makes to alleviate suffering and promote justice. He believed that a person’s moral and spiritual worth is defined by their actions toward others, especially those in need. Gandhi’s life was a testament to this idea; his leadership in India’s independence movement was driven by a commitment to serve the people, advocating for the poor, untouchables, and oppressed populations in a society marked by profound inequality.
This principle remains relevant today, particularly in social and political contexts where true leadership is often defined by one’s ability to address issues like poverty, inequality, and human rights. In modern leadership, those who focus on the welfare of others, whether through public service, activism, or community work, are often seen as the most impactful figures. Leaders who work to improve the lives of the marginalized and work for social justice gain respect not for their position or wealth but for their positive influence on society.
A contemporary example can be found in the efforts of people like Nelson Mandela, who dedicated his life to fighting for the welfare of the oppressed in South Africa, or figures like Mother Teresa, whose selfless work with the poor and sick exemplified Gandhi’s view of greatness. These figures, whose lives were marked by service to others, continue to inspire generations, demonstrating that greatness is achieved not through personal success, but through the commitment to helping others and improving society.
