What I think of Mohandas Gandhi.

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Kimberly Longshore

World Civilizations 2/9:30

September 23, 2002        

Gandhi

        Though claimed to be the world leader of patience and peace, Gandhi was nothing more than the poster child for archaic living in a modern world.  In The Penguin Gandhi Reader, one might learn all about what Gandhi thought of the British in India; in this paper one can learn all about what I think of Mohandas Gandhi.  I will discuss chapters one, three, five, and six.  

        In chapter one, Critique of Modern Civilization, it is discussed how terrible the British have made India.  The English government is criticized, saying it is like a sterile woman and a prostitute.  Modern civilization is condemned as a whole.  

        First, I would like to say, without the British, India would probably be stuck in the middle ages and Mohandas Gandhi would have never received his wonderful education.  Modern Civilization has never been so evident in a country like India; people take pride in what they are able to do.  The British brought trains, planes, automobiles, cricket, and the English language.  Why should someone have to ride around on a camel all day just to get to the grocery store, when one thirty minute train ride can get them there without the hardships?  No one should ever want to drag India back to the middle ages.  Natural tradition is not lost or forgotten.  India has not lost her identity, just fixed it up a little.

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        In chapter three, Creed of Non-Violence, Ahimsa is mentioned.  I believe Ahimsa is a way of life, passive resistance.  Gandhi explains his beliefs on why India should passively resist the British forces.  He tells of why forgiveness is more manly than punishment.  A list is given on non cooperation.  

        Mainly, I would like to say that world peace is a lovely idea.  But just that, an idea.  If everyone practiced Ahimsa, the world would be so cramped and overpopulated we would all die of suffocation.  Though one should love their enemies, in real life this is just not possible. ...

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