“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”
- 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
“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi highlights the gap between human potential and actual action. He suggests that if individuals and societies were to act in alignment with their true capabilities—whether in terms of compassion, justice, or effort—many of the world’s most pressing issues could be resolved. Gandhi believed that human beings are capable of much more than they often demonstrate, whether through nonviolent resistance, selfless service, or moral courage. The key challenge, in his view, is not a lack of resources or solutions, but a failure to live up to the moral potential within each person. This insight speaks to the power of individual commitment and responsibility in tackling global issues such as poverty, inequality, and violence.
This idea remains highly relevant in modern society, where many problems persist not due to a lack of knowledge or resources, but because individuals, governments, and organizations fail to act at the level they are truly capable of. Whether in climate change, global inequality, or human rights, there is often a significant gap between what can be done and what is actually done. Gandhi’s quote encourages people to strive for more, urging that greater effort, awareness, and action could be the key to resolving major global challenges.
A contemporary example of this is the climate crisis, where the gap between current global action and the urgent need to address environmental issues highlights the potential for greater collective effort. If individuals, governments, and corporations acted in line with the full potential of available solutions—whether through renewable energy, sustainable practices, or collective responsibility—many of the world’s environmental challenges could be mitigated. Gandhi’s quote is a call to recognize the untapped potential within humanity and to act in ways that can truly address the world’s most critical problems.
