In the last 100 years, it is hard to imagine a more inspirational figure than Mahatma Gandhi. After all, he freed an entire country through passive resistance.

Inspiration and the Great Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, simply known as Gandhi, is a truly inspirational figure from the 20th century. Considered the father of India, Gandhi was born 1869 and died when assassinated in 1948. A lawyer, Gandhi instituted non-violent civil disobedience movements in India in an effort to gain independence for the country from imperial British rule. His life is so full of inspirational thought and action that you should read up on him. To give you a taste, here are some of his more inspirational and thoughtful quotes.

When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fallthink of it, always.

There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for."

As soon as we lose the moral basis, we cease to be religious. There is no such thing as religion over-riding morality. Man, for instance, cannot be untruthful, cruel or incontinent and claim to have God on his side.

In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after truth.

I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.

I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers.

It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.

Indolence is a delightful but distressing state; we must be doing something to be happy.

I want freedom for the full expression of my personality.

I cannot teach you violence, as I do not myself believe in it. I can only teach you not to bow your heads before any one even at the cost of your life.

It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of nonviolence to cover impotence.

Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.

At the end of the day, there is little doubt that Gandhi acted as a human moral compass during his time. Alas, I wonder what he would think if he were alive today.