"Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?"

Mahatma Gandhi’s words evoke the fundamental importance of freedom to human existence, equating it to the very essence of life, the "breath of life". By stating that freedom is never dear at any price, Gandhi argues that the value of freedom transcends any material or tangible cost. No sacrifice, however great, can overshadow the significance of living freely. Just as breathing is necessary for survival, freedom is essential for a fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Gandhi’s rhetorical question, "What would a man not pay for living?" further illustrates this point. Life, in its truest sense, is not merely physical survival, but also the ability to act, think, and speak without coercion or fear. A person deprived of freedom is, in Gandhi’s perspective, akin to a person denied air to breathe; their existence is suffocated and diminished. The question highlights the natural inclination of human beings to defend and strive for their autonomy, even in the face of great adversity or personal loss. The suggestion is that people, when confronted with the choice between living enslaved and risking everything for liberty, will always cherish freedom, sometimes to the point of embracing great sacrifice, even mortality.

Implied in Gandhi’s reflection is also a call to responsibility. If freedom is invaluable, more vital than wealth or comfort, it demands vigilance, courage, and perseverance to obtain and preserve. One cannot be complacent or miserly about the effort required; the struggle for freedom becomes a worthy lifelong pursuit, justified by its profound impact on human dignity and self-worth.

Ultimately, the statement appeals to the courage and devotion required to uphold liberty. It recognizes freedom as an intrinsic part of human identity, worth any hardship endured to achieve or protect. Gandhi’s words serve as both inspiration and admonition, urging individuals and societies to recognize freedom’s supreme worth, never to be bartered or abandoned, regardless of the price.