“It is the duty of every thoughtful Indian not to marry. In case he is helpless in regard to marriage, he should abstain from sexual intercourse with his wife”
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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 Gandhi's writings on brahmacharya/self-restraint (e.g., the Self-Restraint v. Self-Indulgence period); documented but controversial and not primary-pinned here.
About this quote
The claim ties full devotion to a cause to giving up ordinary comforts, including marriage and physical intimacy. The reasoning is that divided loyalties dilute effort, so complete focus asks a person to surrender the appetites that would keep pulling them back toward private life.
When to use it
- A relief doctor who puts off starting a family for years to stay on call in crisis zones.
- An athlete who gives up rich food and late nights entirely through a championship season.
- A founder who forgoes vacations and hobbies while nursing a fragile venture through its first year.