“There is an orderliness in the universe, there is an unalterable law governing everything and every being that exists or lives. It is no blind law; for no blind law can govern the conduct of living beings.”
- 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
“There is an orderliness in the universe, there is an unalterable law governing everything and every being that exists or lives. It is no blind law; for no blind law can govern the conduct of living beings.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Gandhi’s belief in a universal moral order that governs the universe. According to Gandhi, life and the universe are not governed by random chance or blind forces but by a rational and purposeful law, which he attributes to divine will or Truth. Gandhi’s philosophy suggests that human beings are part of this larger order and that moral conduct is an essential part of living in harmony with it. The “unalterable law” he refers to can be interpreted as the law of truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa), principles that he viewed as universal constants, guiding both human behavior and the cosmos.
Historically, this idea is central to Gandhi’s worldview, which was deeply influenced by his religious beliefs, particularly Hinduism, but also by his engagement with other spiritual traditions. Gandhi believed that each individual had an inherent moral duty to align their actions with this higher law, which would lead to personal and collective progress. This conviction motivated his struggle for justice, as he argued that freedom and truth were not just political ideals but spiritual imperatives, requiring a commitment to self-discipline and non-violent resistance.
In modern times, this idea challenges the materialistic worldview that often reduces the universe to mechanical laws or random events. It also invites reflection on the ethics of human behavior, encouraging individuals to consider how their actions align with the broader, often unseen, moral laws that govern both society and nature. Gandhi’s assertion that living beings are not subject to blind forces but to a higher, purposeful order connects with contemporary ideas in ethics and environmentalism, where the interconnectedness of all life forms suggests that human actions should be in harmony with the natural world and the greater good.
