“It would be a great thing, a brave thing, for the Hindus to achieve an act of self-denial.”
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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: Young India (12 March 1931) via Selections from Gandhi (1950), N. K. Bose, p. 161; supplied text appears garbled in transcription.
About this quote
There's a particular bravery in giving something up on purpose when nothing forces you to. Voluntary self-denial trades an immediate comfort for a larger aim, and the courage lies in choosing the harder, quieter path when the easy one sits right there.
When to use it
- A well-off family that skips the second car so they can help fund a niece's college years.
- A team lead who gives up public credit so a quieter colleague finally gets noticed.
- Someone who cuts back on eating out for a year to clear a stubborn debt.