Who said "Be the change you want to see"?

Asked by: German Hermiston  |  Last update: February 12, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (35 votes)

The phrase "Be the change you want to see in the world" is widely attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, though he never said it in those exact words; instead, it summarizes his philosophy, with his actual writings containing similar ideas about personal transformation preceding societal change, as seen in passages from his 1913 journal where he emphasized inner work and self-purification as foundational for affecting the world.

Who actually said "be the change you wish to see in the world" meaning?

Coohill and quote investigator Garson O'Toole both attribute the popular phrase to Brooklyn high school teacher Arleen Lorrance.

What is Mahatma Gandhi's most famous quote?

Mahatma Gandhi's most famous quotes emphasize peace, change, and self-discipline, including "Be the change you wish to see in the world," "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind," and "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong," highlighting nonviolence, moral strength, and selfless service as keys to life and progress. 

What is Gandhi's quote about change?

“You must be the change you want to see in your life” - Mahatma Gandhi.

Where does the quote "The change you want to see" come from?

The great Gandhi passed away in 1948, and the first sources of the abbreviated quote appeared many years later in 1974 within a book chapter written by educator Arleen Lorrance. It was called the love project and stated: One way to start a preventative program is to be the change you want to see happen.

Be the Change You Want to See

27 related questions found

Did Mahatma Gandhi say "be the change"?

We've all heard the saying, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi is often credited with saying this. But little do people know, Gandhi actually didn't say this at all! Gandhi said, "We but mirror the world.

Who wrote the quote "Be the change you want to see"?

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi.

What is the most famous quote about change?

Best overall quotes about change.

  • Nothing is permanent except change.” Heraclitus. Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” Leo Tolstoy.
  • The only constant in life is change.” Heraclitus.
  • Background. Rgb(248, 248, 248)

What did Albert Einstein say about Mahatma Gandhi?

Rember what Albert Einstein said of Mahatma Gandhi: "Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth." A deceptively simple man, Gandhi overturned the greatest Empire the world has ever seen.

Who said "If you want change, be the change"?

As Gandhi said: “Be the change you want to see in the world” What's one thing you can do today to make the world a little happier?

What was Gandhi's motto?

“Ours is not a drive for power, but purely a nonviolent fight for India's independence.” “A non-violent soldier of freedom will covet nothing for himself, he fights only for the freedom of his country.” “Truth alone will endure, all the rest will be swept always in the tide of Time.”

Which is the most powerful quote?

There's no single "most powerful" quote, as impact is subjective, but popular choices often focus on personal growth, action, and resilience, like Mahatma Gandhi's "Be the change you wish to see in the world", Maya Angelou's "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better," or Winston Churchill's "If you are going through hell, keep going," highlighting transformation, courage, and enduring hardship. 

What slogan did Gandhiji give to the people in 1942?

*Quit India Movement Summary* The Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942, demanded an immediate end to British rule in India. With the slogan "Do or Die," it sparked widespread protests despite brutal British suppression.

What did Robert Kennedy say about change?

Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies.

Who quoted "We must become the change we want to see"?

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "We must become the change we want to see." This quote identifies the critical element that makes our Jernigan Institute uniquely effective.

Can one person really make a difference?

We learned that while many common ways to do good (such as becoming a doctor) have less impact than you might first think, others have allowed certain people to achieve an extraordinary impact. In other words, one person can make a difference — but you might have to do something a little unconventional.

What did Churchill say about Gandhi?

Churchill told her that he admired Gandhi for his “work for the moral and social uplift” but he “would not choose him for flying the latest airship”, meaning thereby that he doubted his political leadership.

What is Gandhi's paradox?

Gandhi's life and legacy illuminate the paradox of idealism: those who sacrifice the most often receive the least, while society benefits from their vision. The opportunism that follows is not merely a betrayal of the idealist but a reflection of humanity's preference for short-term gains over transformative change.

What did Mahatma Gandhi say about God?

God is truth and love, God is ethics and morality, God is fearlessness, God is the source of light and life and yet he is above and beyond all these aspects of life. God is that indefinable something which we all feel but which we do not know, says Gandhi.

What did Winston Churchill say about change?

"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often."

What was Ruth Bader Ginsburg's famous quote?

“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

What is the most famous quote ever said in history?

There's no single "most famous" quote, but top contenders include iconic lines like Neil Armstrong's "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind", Shakespeare's "All the world's a stage," and famous advice like "If you can dream it, you can do it" (Walt Disney) or "The unexamined life is not worth living" (Socrates), often cited for their profound impact and widespread recognition. 

What was Gandhi's most famous quote?

Mahatma Gandhi's most famous quotes emphasize peace, change, and self-discipline, including "Be the change you wish to see in the world," "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind," and "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong," highlighting nonviolence, moral strength, and selfless service as keys to life and progress. 

Who quotes "Be the change you want to see in the world"?

Mahatma Gandhi famously said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." This is a laudable idea.

How can I motivate others to change?

Lead by example

If you want other people to change, start with yourself and make sure the things you want them to change about themselves are things you do effectively yourself. “Do as I say and not as I do” is not a formula for success.