“But renunciation of fruit in no way means indifference to the result. In regard to every action one must know the result that is expected to follow, the means thereto, and the capacity for it. He, who, being thus equipped, is without desire for the result and is yet wholly engrossed in the due fulfillment of the task before him is said to have renounced the fruits of his action.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: From 'The Bhagavad Gita According to Gandhi' (Gandhi's Gita commentary).
About this quote
Releasing the outcome gets confused with not caring, but they're opposites. You still study the likely result, the method, and your own limits — then pour yourself into doing the task well while refusing to let craving for one particular reward distort the effort or crush you if it doesn't land.
When to use it
- A salesperson prepares thoroughly, delivers the pitch fully, then takes a 'no' without spiraling.
- An athlete trains toward a clear target yet plays each point rather than the scoreboard.
- A novelist edits every chapter with care but stops refreshing the sales figures daily.