21 Learning Death Quotes by Mahatma Gandhi

By Team ABJ

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Mahatma Gandhi, a beloved leader of nonviolence and freedom, left behind profound wisdom even after his passing. In this blog, we explore some death quotes said by Mahatma Gandhi, which carry timeless messages of peace and change. Gandhi’s words continue to inspire and guide us on the path to a better world. Join us as we delve into the words of a remarkable man who continues to touch hearts and minds even in his absence.

Mahatma Gandhi Quotes on Death

1. Death is twice blessed for a warrior who dies for his cause, that is truth.

Gandhi believed that when a warrior dies while fighting for a just and truthful cause, their death is a double blessing. It signifies their commitment to principles greater than themselves, and it elevates their passing to a noble sacrifice for the greater good.

2. Death is no fiend, he is the truest of friends. He delivers us from agony.

Gandhi saw death not as an enemy but as a friend. He believed that death relieves individuals from the suffering and agony they may experience in life. It’s a peaceful release from the troubles of the world.

3. Death on the battlefield is welcome to a soldier.

Gandhi expressed the sentiment that a soldier, when fighting in a just and honorable cause, welcomes death on the battlefield. It implies that a soldier’s purpose is to defend principles they hold dear, and in doing so, they accept the risks, including the possibility of death.

4. To die in the act of killing is, in essence, to die defeated.

Gandhi advocated nonviolence and believed that resorting to violence, even in self-defense, was a form of defeat. This quote emphasizes that dying while engaged in violent actions means losing one’s moral ground and principles.

5. Birth and death are not two different states, but they are different aspects of the same state.

Gandhi’s philosophy on life and death is deeply rooted in the idea that they are not fundamentally separate, but rather two facets of the same existence. Birth marks the beginning of life, and death marks its transition, but both are part of the continuous cycle of existence.

6. It is as clear to me as daylight that life and death are but phases of the same thing, the reverse, and obverse of the same coin.

This quote reinforces the idea that life and death are interconnected, much like the two sides of a coin. Gandhi believed that understanding this relationship could bring clarity and peace to one’s perspective on existence.

7. A courageous man prefers death to the surrender of self-respect.

Gandhi valued self-respect and believed that a person with courage would choose to die rather than compromise their principles or self-respect. This highlights the importance of integrity and moral strength.

8. Life becomes livable only to the extent that death is treated like a friend, never as an enemy.

Gandhi encourages the notion that life becomes meaningful and bearable when we view death as a friend, not something to be feared. Accepting the inevitability of death and seeing it as a natural part of life can bring peace and contentment.

9. If love was not the law of life, life would not have persisted in the midst of death.

Gandhi underscores the significance of love as a fundamental force that sustains life in the face of death. Love, in his view, is the essence of life and the driving force behind its continuation.

10. True ahimsa should wear a smile even on a deathbed brought about by an assailant. It is only with that ahimsa that we can convert our opponents and win their love.

Gandhi believed in nonviolence (ahimsa) even in the face of violence. This quote suggests that maintaining a spirit of nonviolence, even in the most challenging circumstances, is the path to transforming one’s adversaries and gaining their affection.

11. It was the cowards who died many times before their death.

Gandhi emphasizes that living in fear and anxiety is a form of death in itself. Those who constantly fear death experience a kind of spiritual death even before their physical demise.

12. If we weep for all the deaths in our country, the tears in our eyes would never dry.

Gandhi acknowledges the prevalence of death and suffering in society. He suggests that if we were to grieve for every death, we would be perpetually consumed by sorrow. This statement underscores the need for resilience and action in the face of adversity.

13. “Running away for fear of death, leaving one’s dear ones, temples, or music to take care of themselves, is irreligion; it is cowardice.”

Gandhi criticizes the act of fleeing from one’s responsibilities, including the protection of loved ones, religious places, or cultural pursuits, out of fear for one’s life. He views this as both irreligious and cowardly. Gandhi believed that true courage involves facing challenges and dangers while fulfilling one’s duties and obligations.

14. “Where death without resistance or death after resistance is the only way, neither party should think of resorting to law-courts or help from the government.”

Gandhi advocates for a nonviolent approach to conflict resolution. He suggests that in situations where death is inevitable, whether through resistance or non-resistance, individuals or parties involved should not seek legal recourse or government intervention. Instead, they should accept the consequences of their actions.

15. “What is imprisonment to the man who is fearless of death itself?”

Gandhi highlights the idea that a person who is unafraid of death would not be deterred by imprisonment. He suggests that true courage lies in the fearlessness of death, rendering imprisonment a lesser concern.

16. “I came alone in this world, I have walked alone in the valley of the shadow of death, and I shall quit alone when the time comes.”

Gandhi reflects on the solitary journey of life and death. He acknowledges that each person faces their journey of life and, eventually, death alone. This statement underscores the individual nature of human existence.

17. “Only my death will determine whether I am ‘Mahomed Gandhi’, Jinnah’s slave, destroyer of the Hindu religion, or its true servant and protector.”

Gandhi expresses that his true character and intentions will only become clear through his actions and, ultimately, his death. He rejects labels and believes that his life’s work will define his legacy.

18. “I can see that in the midst of death life persists, in the midst of untruth truth persists, in the midst of darkness light persists. Hence I gather that God is Life, Truth, Light. He is Love. He is the supreme good.”

Gandhi’s words reflect his deep spiritual beliefs. He perceives an enduring presence of life, truth, and light even in the face of death, falsehood, and darkness. For him, these enduring qualities represent God and the ultimate good in the world.

19. “You may pluck out my eyes, but that cannot kill me. You may chop off my nose, but that will not kill me. But blast my belief in God, and I am dead.”

Gandhi emphasizes the strength of his faith and inner convictions. He suggests that physical harm cannot destroy his spirit, but if his belief in God were shaken, it would be a profound loss for him.

20. “It is much more difficult to live for nonviolence than to die for it.”

Gandhi recognizes that choosing a life dedicated to nonviolence is a greater challenge than facing death in a nonviolent manner. This statement underscores the ongoing commitment and sacrifices required to uphold nonviolent principles.

21. “History is replete with instances of men, who, by dying with courage and compassion on their lips converted the hearts of their violent opponents.”

Gandhi highlights the transformative power of nonviolent sacrifice. He points out that throughout history, individuals who faced death with courage and compassion have often succeeded in changing the hearts and minds of those who were once their adversaries.


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