Power to the People: Mahatma Gandhi's Key to Change According to Indian social activist Mahatma Gandhi, selfless service is the foundation for creating change across the world. world. “Action is one's duty”, and one's duty is implemented by the “spirit of service” (9) which one must assume to understand humility and altruism, strengthen oneself and become a supporter of ahimsa, of nonviolence (9). Like so many other social activists, Gandhi had a vision for the future: a vision of peace, independence and equality for all. For Gandhi, nonviolence is essential if one wishes to see this change he envisioned for the world. Gandhi fought tirelessly for India's independence from Britain, but he did not fight in the way many people today think of when they hear the word “fight.” Gandhi fought without punches but with courage, heart, empathy and, above all, with love: love for himself, love for others and love for his country. Gandhi confirms that those who love themselves, others and their country enough to sacrifice and dedicate themselves to ahimsa have the power to change the world. If an individual wants to make a difference he should follow the way Mahatma Gandhi lived his life; Gandhi led a life of nonviolence in everyday life, in the form of civil disobedience and as the foundation of independence. As Gandhi did, when one reaches a full understanding of nonviolence and acts accordingly, only he can make a difference. Gandhi advocated nonviolence as a way of life because it is the foundation for promoting ahimsa on a larger scale. The individual is the gateway to universal reform and once he recognizes and understands altruistic action, he too can become an advocate of ahimsa as he practices the... middle of paper... addiction and chaos that violence brings with him. By seeing these ideals, even if they are never achieved, you do something beneficial. Having the ideal or ultimate goal in mind is what really matters to Gandhi. Fully aware that not everyone will ever be able to fully dedicate themselves to ahimsa, Gandhi confirms that it is okay to never achieve these things, as long as you put in the effort to achieve them and make a positive difference in the process. Gandhi himself was not the ideal individual he portrayed for people to strive to be, but he was real and he also strived, just as others should. He, single-handedly, changed so much for so many people and is the prime example of his philosophy that it only takes one person to change the world. With his steadfast and relentless commitment to making a difference, he empowered people around the world and his influence continues today.