“To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”
Share this quote
Misattributed quote
The 'single heart... thousand heads bowing in prayer' couplet originates with the Persian poet Saadi, long predating Gandhi; it is Saadi's, not Gandhi's. Treat as misattributed with Saadi named as origin.
Likely origin: A pre-Gandhi Persian couplet, commonly traced to the poet Saadi of Shiraz (c.1210-1292). Gandhi at most quoted it.
Review the attribution sourceAbout this quote
This is a pre-Gandhi Persian couplet, usually traced to the poet Saadi of Shiraz (c.1210-1292); Gandhi at most quoted it, so it is not his teaching. The thought it carries is that devotion proven in one act of kindness outweighs ritual performed for display — mercy lived out counts for more than piety shown off.
When to use it
- Sitting with a grieving neighbor for an hour does more good than posting public condolences.
- A manager who quietly covers a struggling employee's shift helps more than a speech about teamwork.
- Carrying an elderly stranger's groceries up four flights lands harder than any donation receipt.