“If I were asked to define the Hindu creed, I should simply say: Search after truth through non-violent means. A man may not believe in God and still call himself a Hindu. Hinduism is a relentless pursuit after truth... Hinduism is the religion of truth. Truth is God. Denial of God we have known. Denial of truth we have not known.”
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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: Composite of genuine Gandhi statements: the 'Hindu creed / truth through non-violent means' passage (Young India, 24 Apr 1924) plus the later 'Truth is God / Denial of truth' formulation (c.1931); not one contiguous primary passage.
About this quote
Faith gets redefined as a search rather than a set of beliefs to sign off on — even doubt about God fits, so long as the pursuit of truth by peaceful means goes on. It shifts the test of a religion from what you profess to how honestly and gently you keep looking.
When to use it
- A scientist who holds her conclusions loosely and keeps chasing evidence rather than defending a creed.
- A skeptic who lives more honestly and kindly than many who recite the right words.
- A community group that judges members by fair conduct, not by the doctrines they claim.