“The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.”
Share this quote
Misattributed quote
The power-of-love / love-of-power antithesis predates Gandhi (Gladstone), was popularized by Sri Chinmoy, and is also misattributed to Jimi Hendrix (note the candidate's own 'jimi-hendrix' tag). No Gandhi source. Treat as misattributed.
Likely origin: Not Gandhi. Earlier forms attributed to W.E. Gladstone (19th c.); popularized by Sri Chinmoy (1970s); the Jimi Hendrix attribution is denied.
Review the attribution sourceAbout this quote
Despite the popular Gandhi and Jimi Hendrix labels, this line is not his — earlier forms are credited to W.E. Gladstone in the 19th century, and it was popularized by Sri Chinmoy in the 1970s. The idea underneath still stands: durable peace arrives only when the wish to serve outgrows the wish to dominate.
When to use it
- A boss who mentors rivals instead of undercutting them builds a team that outlasts him.
- Two neighbors end a long fence feud once winning stops mattering more than getting along.
- A negotiator who seeks a deal both sides can live with settles what threats never could.