Everyone wants credit

March 05, 2025

“My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do work and those who take credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there is much less competition” -Indira Gandhi

There are levels of irony to this quote.

The first thing you may think is, “Well Gandhi actually got a lot of credit for what he did!” and you would be right. Regarded as one of the most influential figures of all time, Gandhi is no stranger to praise.

Check the quote again, this isn’t Mahatma Gandhi.

This is Indira Gandhi. No blood relation to Mahatma Gandhi, Indira served as India’s prime minister for more than 15 years.

Now reread the quote. It’s really Indira just quoting her grandfather, Motilal Nehru. By sharing her grandfather’s wisdom she has now taken credit. A vicious chain of historical figures swallowing up each other’s contributions.

I won’t stand for it. Shout out to Motilal, I see you.

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