Gandhi: Self Reliance

Self Reliance of the Great Soul

Mohandas Gandhi, or better known as Mahatma, is a man built on morals. Nothing, and by no means is that an exaggeration, could stop him from preserving the importance of love, peace, and freedom. His boycotts and religious beliefs make him an excellent figure for self reliance. At a time of British rule, he convinced thousands of Indians to peacefully protest the captivity of India. Essentially, Mahatma is the role model for all persons practicing self reliance.

Emerson wrote "Whoso would be a man, must be a nonconformist." Gandhi, either with intent or not, became consumed with these nonconformities. During the age of technology and intelligence, Gandhi was all about returning to the basic principles of living. He believed self sufficiency was an important stepping stone is achieving personal sovereignty. When the whole world lathered itself in the benefits of technology, Gandhi stuck out like a red dress at a funeral. He would not give in to the pandemonium that was consuming the most powerful nations. Instead, Gandhi spun his own clothes, and was able to provide nourishment for himself with a small farm he owned in India.

At the time of his life, Britain was a humungous political power. They had control over many nations, including India. To end the colonial rule of this powerful country was the goal of Mahatma. When Parliament passed a law forbidding Indians to make salt, he was outraged. But through his practices, no amount of outrage would ever make this pacifist take arms. Maybe the most powerful revolt, civil disobedience, was used to repeal this restraining law. Never before had civil disobedience seen such a large mass of people. More than 60,000 of his loyal followers traveled to the sea to make salt with him until the law was repealed. Britain was shamed by this unresisting force and gave in to the power of disobedience.

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