Given below are three quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) “There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed.” — Mahatma Gandhi (b) “Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” — Abraham Lincoln (c) “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies.” — Aristotle

(a) Gandhi — need, not greed

Gandhi's aphorism distinguishes legitimate need from limitless greed. In an age of ecological crisis, over-consumption and widening inequality, it is a charter for sustainability and trusteeship: the earth can meet everyone's basic needs, but not a few people's insatiable acquisitiveness. It anchors climate justice, mindful consumption and equitable distribution of resources.

(b) Lincoln — power tests character

Adversity is endured by most, but power reveals the real person because it removes external restraint. In public life this means authority must be matched by accountability, humility and self-restraint; the true test of an officer or leader is how fairly and how gently power is exercised over the powerless. It warns against arrogance and abuse once one holds office.

(c) Aristotle — mastering desire

Aristotle values self-mastery above the conquest of others: the person who governs his own desires, impulses and temptations shows greater courage than one who defeats external enemies. It elevates temperance, self-regulation and inner discipline — the harder, quieter victory over greed, anger and lust that underlies all ethical conduct.

Synthesis

Together the three quotations point inward: restraint of greed, of power and of desire. They affirm that character, not circumstance, is the true measure of a person, and that self-mastery is the root of ethical living.