“Man falls from the pursuit of the ideal of plain living and high thinking the moment he wants to multiply his daily wants. Man’s happiness really lies in contentment.”
- 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 falls from the pursuit of the ideal of plain living and high thinking the moment he wants to multiply his daily wants. Man’s happiness really lies in contentment.”
Explanation
This statement from Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes the idea that material desires and the constant pursuit of more possessions or luxuries lead to the deterioration of one’s spiritual and intellectual life. Gandhi advocates for a life of simplicity and self-restraint, arguing that when a person becomes consumed by the desire to increase their material wealth or comforts, they move away from the true ideals of high thinking and spiritual growth.
According to Gandhi, true happiness does not come from the accumulation of material goods, but from contentment—a state of being at peace with what one has. This idea reflects Gandhi’s philosophy of non-attachment, which encourages individuals to find joy in the present moment and focus on inner fulfillment rather than outward acquisition. The pursuit of plain living—a simple, uncluttered life—and high thinking—focused on intellectual, ethical, and spiritual pursuits—leads to a deeper sense of satisfaction and peace, unclouded by the constant chase for more.
The quote is also a critique of modern consumerism and materialism, which Gandhi saw as distractions from higher values such as truth, justice, and compassion. By rejecting the idea that happiness comes from material wealth, Gandhi encourages people to cultivate contentment as a key aspect of a meaningful and fulfilling life.
