Remembering Mahatma Gandhi @ 150

Remembering Mahatma Gandhi @ 150 - Qimpro

2 October, 2019

Mahatma Gandhi’s Wisdom

 Mahatma Gandhi had said that seven things will destroy us.

  1.  Wealth without work. This refers to the practice of getting something for nothing – manipulating markets and assets so you don’t have to work or produce added value. Just manipulate people and things.
  2. Pleasure without conscience. The chief query of the immature, greedy, selfish, and sensuous has always been, “What’s in it for me? Will this please me?”
  3. Knowledge without character. As dangerous as a little knowledge is, even more dangerous is much knowledge without a strong, principled character.
  4. Commerce (business) without morality (ethics). The foundation to success of our systems is based on the moral foundation: how we treat each other, the spirit of benevolence, of service, of contribution.
  5. Science without humanity. If science becomes all technique and technology, it quickly degenerates into man against humanity.
  6. Religion without sacrifice. We go for the social facade of religion and the piety of religious practices. There is no real walking with people or going the second mile or trying to deal with our social problems that may eventually undo our economic system.
  7. Politics without principle. If there is no principle, there is no true north, nothing you can depend upon.

Notice that all of them have to do with social and political conditions.

Source: Stephen R Covey, Principle Centered Leadership

 An Economist’s View

Sunday was the Jewish New Year. I remembered my mentor, an Economist of international repute. We had many chats on macro and micro issues. 

According to my mentor, the seven things that can destroy us are: 

  1. Crime
  2. Corruption
  3. Communism
  4. Casteism
  5. Character
  6. Climate
  7. Cost Of Poor Quality.

 Do you agree?

 Are there any more you wish to add?

 Random Thoughts: 

  1. Trustworthiness = Character + Competence
  2. We need to seed the importance of “trustworthiness” in schools and colleges.
  3. We need to seed the importance of “trustworthiness” in our homes.
  4. Truth is God and God is Truth – Mahatma Gandhi.
  5. Democracy is rule by the majority, but this majority must not be a majority that is determined entirely by birth – An Economist.





14 thoughts on “Remembering Mahatma Gandhi @ 150”

  • Thank you for bringing these insights to us Mr Lulla! They are pure gems that transcend time! The only one I would want to humbly submit is – Intelligence without Discipline – Intelligence is only useful when it can be applied to benefit humanity. However, execution needs discipline – discipline to plan, do, check and act!

    • Thank you Ashok for your kind words.

      I will have to consult Mahatma Gandhi to share an appropriate response to “Intelligence without Discipline”. That will take time.

      On the other hand, there may be other visitors to my blog who may be able to help.

  • Always a pleasure to read your nuggets filled with great insights.
    So much to learn from Mahatma Gandhi. Reminded of his great quote on the customer:
    A customer is the most important visitor on our premises.
    He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him.
    He is not an interruption on our work. He is the purpose of it.
    He is not an outsider on our business. He is part of it.
    We are not doing him a favour by serving him.
    He is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so.

    • This CUSTOMER quote has been shared by Qualitists globally. It has even featured on the cover of some international Quality Journals.

      In India, tragically, this quote is simply a quote.

  • Mr Lulla you are a true ‘Conscience Keeper’ for the Management, Corporate & Quality world. Your thoughts on Mahatma Gandhi truly brings out the essence of what we need to ingrain in the hearts & minds of people: Humanity,Morality, Principles & ethics. Thank you so very much for listing these 7 most important things🙏

    • Thank you Ketna for your generous words.

      Tushar Gandhi has just posted:
      Just heard the news that someone / people stole the funeral ashes of my great grandfather kept in a shrine at Gandhi Bhavan in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. They also defaced his photo by spraying the word TRAITOR.. Wish he wasn’t the father of the nation. Wish he wasn’t Mahatma. Wish he was only my great grandfather.

  • Pearls of wisdom from two humble leaders of different era!

    Those who believe in this MUST take these forward in more ways than one. Our children should be out individual starting points.

    Suresh Sir has this uncanny knack of driving meaningful insights and explanations in simplest words. Doubt any of us has reflected on
    “trustworthiness” as explained here-ever!!

    I enjoy this regular connect from you. Thank you Sir🙏

  • I will add – ” Carefree attitude towards corruption, climate change, discrimination and cost of poor quality ” .

    Society is made by people and not by laws. Politics of a country is the reflection of character of its people.

    • In HR one hears about ABC. Change Attitude. Behavior will Change. Stay Committed.
      Question to you, Rahul. “Whose attitude can you change? Your spouse? Your child? Your own?

      Dr J M Juran recommended CBA. Get Commitment to change, first. Next, Define the required changes in Behavior. And if you are lucky, you will get a change in Attitude.

  • To add in the above list is ‘cleanliness’ ( in thought and action). This will take us far ahead in all aspects of life!!!

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