“Be the change you want to see in the world” is often attributed to Gandhi. While Gandhi did say something with similar meaning, his wording was not very close to “Be the change” In 1974 educator Arleen Lorrance wrote “One way to start a preventative program is to be the change you want to see happen.” in a chapter she titled “The Love Project”.
In 1975 a newspaper in Reno, Nevada presented a remark from local minister Ernest Troutner, who was familiar with “The Love Project”: “Be the change you want to see happen, instead of trying to change everyone else.” The reverend liked to recite this when counseling couples considering marriage.
For more information see: