Advice Quote by Mahatma Gandhi
“... man was not born a carnivorous animal, but born to live on the fruits and herbs that the earth grows. I know we must all err. I would give up milk if I could, but I cannot. I have made that experiment times without number. I could not, after a serious illness, regain my strength, unless I went back to milk. That has been the tragedy of my life. But the basis of my vegetarianism is not physical, but moral. If anybody said that I should die if I did not take beef tea or mutton, even on medical advice, I would prefer death. That is the basis of my vegetarianism.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Indian National Congress, 1931
Gandhi argues that his vegetarianism is morally driven, not merely health‑based, and he would rather die than compromise those ethics.
In simple terms: His diet is a moral choice, even over health.
Key Takeaway
Uphold ethical convictions despite hardship.
Themes
ethics
diet
personal conviction
health
sacrifice
Mood
determined
conflicted
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal health decisions
- ethical debates
- medical advice
- cultural practices
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
vegetarianism
principle
integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it possible to balance moral principles with life‑preserving needs?
- How do societies support those with strict ethical diets?
A Different Perspective
His stance may conflict with medical necessity, creating tension between ethics and survival.
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
