Vol. 06 · Misquoted ·Saying ·29 of 348
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
They never said that.
What people say
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
What was actually said
"If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change." Mahatma Gandhi (loose) — Indian Opinion (1913) and later writings, Mahatma Gandhi
Why it stuck
Nearest verified Gandhi is weaker and longer. The slogan form was popularised by Arleen Lorrance in the 1970s.
Know another line by heart?
Play the duel and see how many you can spot. Or browse the whole shelf.