When reading Gandhi’s “Hind Swaraj”, I realized a lot about Gandhi that I did not already know. To be honest, the most I knew about Gandhi and his “passive resistance” was for one, his standup against the salt tax. However, I always looked up to Gandhi, as one of the timeless leaders of our time.
Yet what struck me as something new was Gandhi’s ideas and stand towards doctors and lawyers. Although he studied to be a lawyer himself, Gandhi no longer believed in those who did not truly work towards the truth, and yet still made a profit out their profession. And as I was reading about Gandhi’s view towards a “profession [that] teaches immorality” and that lawyers “advance quarrels, instead of repressing them”, I began to think of my grandpa (Gandhi, 59). He was a lawyer back in the Philippines, and I would hear of how my grandma did not like him practicing law since she thought he “deceived” people. I do however, believe in my grandpa, and the fact that he would not represent a person who he himself did not believe to be telling the truth. I did take in Gandhi’s words, and I understand where he would see the deceptive nature of some lawyers, just like my grandma did.
Either way, Gandhi was able to take a stand, and not back down from it. His ability to explain all his reasons for how and why he thought the way he did, I was able to understand more and more about his life and ideals. Gandhi had an opinion about so many things, such as doctors, the railroad system, even the language that he wished to be spoken in India – and reading the “Hind Swaraj” put everything in perspective for me.
4 comments:
I agree! I realized that I did not know much about Gandhi prior to this reading other than his passive resistance. I like the incorporation of the story of your grandpa, good connection and good insight.
I really like this belief of Gandhi that you pointed out. It further illustrates his already saintly image and illuminates another way of living that he encourages. It also relates to his views regarding civilization, as one who is civilized has to work in order to survive in this industrialized society. And like you pointed out, with professions such as lawyers who tend to earn a lot of money, which Gandhi does not quite approve of because he thinks that the luxuries that come with the status of such an occupation are not necessary and corrupt, these professions have the means of living comfortably although they could be through a means of immoral practices, and thus not living a truthful life, which is a lifestyle that Gandhi obviously does not support.
To be honest, I too knew little about Gandhi aside from his peaceful resistance and fasts prior to finishing the reading. I thought it was interesting that you were able to make a personal connection with the text and evaluate Gandhi's beliefs for what they are, even if they might differ from yours.
I honestly did not know too much about Gandhi to even form an opinion about the man. As I read your blog, I realized that it was hypocritical of Gandhi to criticize people of his own profession. When I had read that, it didn't register in my mind right away.
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