Here in this blessed land, the foundation, the backbone, the life-centre is religion and religion alone.

You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.

Every one wants to command, and no one wants to obey; and this is owing to the absence of that wonderful brahmacharya system of yore. First, learn to obey. The command will come by itself. Always first learn to be a servant, and then you will be fit to be a master.

I hate cowardice; I will have nothing to do with cowards or political nonsense.

Learn obedience first. Among these Western nations, with such a high spirit of independence, the spirit of obedience is equally strong. We are all of us self-important, which never produces any work. Great enterprise, boundless courage, tremendous energy, and, above all, perfect obedience; these are the only traits that lead to individual and national regeneration. These traits are altogether lacking in us.

The idea of perfect womanhood is perfect independence

Do not disturb the faith of any. . . Our duty is not to disturb the faith of others.