To forgive is not to forget. The merit lies in loving in spite of the vivid knowledge that one that must be loved is not a friend. There is not merit in loving an enemy when you forget him for a friend.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Power invariably elects to go into the hands of the strong. That strength may be physical or of the heart or, if we do not fight shy of the word, of the spirit. Strength of the heart connotes soul-force. Let it be remembered that physical force is transitory, even as the body is transitory. But the power of spirit is permanent even as the spirit is everlasting.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True power lies in inner strength rather than just physical might.
Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes that while physical strength is temporary and belongs to the body, true power stems from inner strength, courage, and spirit. He argues that the strength of heart and soul-force is everlasting and more profound than mere physical prowess, suggesting that inner qualities define true strength and leadership in life.
Themes
PowerStrengthSpiritCourageLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used during a leadership seminar to inspire leaders to focus on inner strength.
More from Mahatma Gandhi
All quotes →Love never claims, it ever gives. Love ever suffers, never resents never revenges itself.
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Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
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The real test of nonviolence lies in its being brought in contact with those who have contempt for it.
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Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
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The devotion of such titans of spirit as Lenin to an Ideal must bear fruit. The nobility of his selflessness will be an example through centuries to come, and his Ideal will reach perfection.
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