“The human body is meant solely for service, never for indulgence. The secret of happy life lies in renunciation. Renunciation is life. Indulgence spells death.”
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Source: Harijan (24 February 1946), p. 19 — Gandhi's own weekly journal, per Wikiquote sourced-quotes.
About this quote
The body, in this view, is a tool for useful work rather than a pleasure machine to be fed endlessly. The mechanism runs counter to instinct: chasing indulgence tends to leave a person emptier, while pouring energy into service and restraint is what actually makes a life feel full.
When to use it
- Someone who cuts back on constant snacking and screen-scrolling finds real energy for work that matters to them.
- A retiree who volunteers three mornings a week feels more alive than during idle, comfort-filled days.
- A person who stops chasing every new gadget puts the saved money and attention into a craft they love.