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About this quote

What does it mean?
Be willing to die for a cause if needed, but do not seek martyrdom for its own sake.
In plain terms
Be brave enough to die if needed, but do not want to die.
What can you take from it?
Sacrifice only if necessary, not for glory.

Where it applies

  • activism
  • war
  • resistance

Putting it to work

  • dissent
  • resistance
  • service

Questions to consider

  • When is sacrifice truly necessary?
  • How do you avoid seeking glory in suffering?

Another view

It may discourage necessary sacrifice when martyrdom is the only path.

More from Mahatma Gandhi

  1. Kaffirs are as a rule uncivilized - the convicts even more so. They are troublesome, very dirty and live almost like animals.

    Permalink to quote #190
  2. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

    Permalink to quote #192
  3. Justice that love gives is a surrender; justice that law gives is a punishment

    Permalink to quote #189

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