“I have in all humility felt that perfect renunciation is impossible without perfect observance of ahimsa in every shape and form.”
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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: Attributed to Gandhi (ahimsa/renunciation writing); no book field, and the text uses an editorial bracket '[of fruits]'.
About this quote
Letting go of the results of your work and refusing to harm anyone turn out to be the same discipline. The moment you're willing to hurt someone to secure an outcome, you've proven you're still gripping that outcome. Loosen one and the other loosens too.
When to use it
- A manager who stops chasing a promotion also stops quietly undercutting the colleagues in her way.
- A parent who releases the need for his child to win the game no longer pressures the coach or shames the kid.
- A shopkeeper who quits obsessing over beating a rival also stops spreading rumors about that rival's goods.