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Gandhi's book was very fascinating to me. First of all I have never read an autobiography before and so I didn't know what to expect but he writes just like a normal book but from the first person which was neat. Gandhi goes from his childhood from what he learned from his Father and Mother and Brother, he talks about getting married at a young age and talks about having a problem with lust. He talks about being tempted and eating meat for his first time which he found disgusting and after making a promise to his Mother later he never ate it again. Also He tried to commit suicide at one point yet didn't take himself seriously and as he states doesn't take anyone else seriously that actually talks of it. He talks about his Fathers death and taking care of him and not being there when he actually breathed his last breath and how much that hurt him. He then moves on to his education and wanting to go to England to study in Law which his mother at first disapproves of, after his pleading and getting supporters from family and family friends and making three vows to his mother she allows him to go. Leaving his wife and his newborn. While in England he studied many things including dancing and theology. He also committed himself to being a vegetarian. He joined a vegetarian club and eventually become a member of the board. He became very well known through several important high ranked men who blessed him with many oppurtunites for work in South Africa, England, and even he spent a short period back at home. He dedicated a lot of his time to volunteering and public organizations. He worked and helped create an ambulance core during the Boer war and even worked in the firing lines. He helped in sanitation and disease control and forge rights for Indians through his legal studies and help from other officials.
Gandhi overcame many of his struggles eventually including his lust that he said was a problem for him. He seemed to have an extremely well off amount of self control which I highly respect him for. Much more than I could ever expect from myself I believe. Nothing about him neccessarrily reminded me of any ethical theorists. I believe he is almost one in his own as he tried practically everything before not liking it or saying it was wrong. He was never afraid to find out about something and never had any prejudice towards others. He lacked hatred and anger towards his attackers which was amazingly respectable.
What impresses me the most is the fact that he is able to resist so many temptations and keep his vows. That he is able to try things without hesitation before making any judgement about them. The way he carries himself out and doesn't let other people's ways upset him. The way he doesn't resort to paying people back per say for their wrongs. I've definately learned a lot and am realizing that if he can abstain from things he promised so can I and am trying out his ration.
I've also realized that I can use this book as an example to others who create a huge hatred towards another person just because they believe differently. We are all people and all of us have different experiences which may have predisposed us a certain way. The only way to truly change people is with your love and showing them the truth not by hating them and bashing them. |
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