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Mahatma Gandhi

Can one man's great thoughts bring down an empire? Gandhi's thoughts did exactly that. The Indian leader studied other great thinkers such as Tolstoy and Jesus, and developed the thinking that non-violent resistance could totally change a society. His permission to think big allowed him to find clever ways to undermine the British, who occupied India. Through the simple gesture of picking up a pinch of salt at the sea he defied British law, but gave an entire nation the courage to follow his leadership.

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. Another simple concept, the hunger strike, eventually helped lead to the British granting India and Pakistan independence. The "passive resistance" strategies Gandhi thought up have inspired many imitators around the globe.

Mahatma (Mohandas) Gandhi's path to becoming a Great Thinker:

• Gandhi studied Law in London, but didn't immediately succeed as a lawyer when he returned to India. A degree is not a guarantee-a lot of networking and personal effort are still required.
• Worked for a law firm that sent him to live in South Africa, where Indians were often treated poorly and unfairly. This adversity inspired him to think about how to change society, and start putting ideas in motion.
• Gandhi continued to educate himself throughout life, constantly reading and learning. He read the works of great thinkers like Tolstoy and Emerson, helping him formulate his own great thoughts. Never stop learning!
• Gandhi used his great ideas about non-violent protest to gather support among the Indian community of South Africa, eventually causing the South African government to begin treating Indians better. Sometimes a small test of great thought is a perfect way to try it out.
• The success of Gandhi's great thoughts in South Africa gave him courage to return to British-occupied India, where he continued to encourage fellow Indians to live their own lives, and work toward independence.
• Gandhi's great thoughts changed India forever. They also gave inspiration to other occupied countries to demand their own independence. It's important to share great ideas with others!

Learn more!
If you want to develop your thoughts in these areas, visit these online degree and course categories: non-profit and fundraising courses; online MBA programs in non-profit management; online humanities degrees; and online degree programs in divinity.