Gandhis principles of simple living Essay - 2041 Words

Gandhi: A Man of Principle George C. Wallace, the United States Secretary of State when Mohandas K. Gandhi was assassinated, said that Gandhi â€Å"had become a spokesman for the conscience of all mankind-a man who made humility and simple truth more powerful than empires† (Gandhi, np). Gandhi is well known for his leadership in the liberation of India from Britain, but his main goal and message transcends beyond the acts he did, into everyday living. Gandhi promoted simple living, non-violence, and forgiveness as a way to unite all people peacefully. These principles helped him to liberate his people and to teach them a lesson that all can learn. Much of Gandhi’s philosophy is rooted in what he learned as a child. From his†¦show more content†¦Gandhi was celibate for over four decades. He strived for a more simple life in order to have more time for community service. He gave back all compensation, including gifts that were given to him. His goal in living simply was to know his own heart and to reach the hearts of others (Leigh, np). Gandhi would never let another person serve him, not even a servant; he always served them (Gandhi, np). Gandhi taught that happiness does not come with things, but with work and pride in what you do. Knowing this, it was necessary for local skills to be revived in their community (Gandhi, np). Under British rule, Indian principles of simple living had been reduced. The Indians could be found adopting habits of the West such as expensive clothing and tea. They even ate meat, despite it being often against their religion (The Higher Taste, 28). In order for the country to gain independence from Britain, Gandhi realized that they must be independent economically. Gandhi walked the country, offering spinning wheels to people as an alternative to purchasing British goods (â€Å"Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi†, 203). Part of Gandhi’s goal in living simply was to unite people as equals. There were two kinds of slavery in India, as Gandhi claimed, the women and the Untouchables, the members of the exterior castes. He strived to end both (Gandhi, np). He saw women as people of great courage andShow MoreRelatedMartin Luther King Jr. And Gandhi1132 Words   |  5 PagesThere are always pros and cons to being a leader to millions, but Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi’s â€Å"non-traditional† non-violence philosophy triumphed over it all for the greater good of the people. â€Å"What is the philosophy of nonviolence?† According to Nonviolence on the Peace Pledge Union Website: Nonviolence means abstaining from the use of physical force to achieve an aim. It is a philosophy, a principle, and a practice. As an ethical philosophy, it upholds the view that moral behaviour excludesRead MoreGandhi : Gandhi And Essence Of His Movement1613 Words   |  7 Pagesfound many opportunities in his youth to meet people of all faiths. 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