Gandhi An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments With Truth

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Through his autobiography we learn that greatness stems from truth. Mahatmaji begins with growing up in India, with his arranged marriage, and with... (show more)

Through his autobiography we learn that greatness stems from truth. Mahatmaji begins with growing up in India, with his arranged marriage, and with his insatiable lust to become stronger and better. He confesses to commiting sins, like eating red meat and lusting after his already pregnant young wife. One of the ultimate, life changing moments in his life is the death of his father. While fulfilling his own desires and copulating with his wife (which was a no-no in his family's custom, because she was pregnant) his sickly father, whom Gandhi had been caring for, dies. An immense sense of guilt and sorrow arises in him and these two emotions, I believe, cause the biggest changes. From purifying himself with diet to abstinence, Gandhi challenges the basic concept of being human. Ultimately, he discovers what truth means. This book shows a vulnerable, honorable and amazing man's path to greatness. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook User

No, it's a flop!

I knew very little about Gandhi before reading the book, and I had a conception of him as more of a religious figure. I was expecting more of a sp... (show more)

I knew very little about Gandhi before reading the book, and I had a conception of him as more of a religious figure. I was expecting more of a spiritual account. The book reveals a very politically-minded man, who is definitely guided by his spiritual beliefs, but the story relates more to his pragmantic political activity.

Ghandi's devotion to truth is really a search for God and this story of his experiments with dietetics, ahimsa (non-violence), and simplicity in his lifestyle were evidence of his attempts to get a glimpse of this "Truth".

It would have been helpful to have read a bit more about colonial India prior to reading the book, since much of Ghandi's writing seems to assume a level of knowledge of the political, social and religious factions within the nation at that time.

One of the things that struck me about his views, and his actions as a leader, was his steadfast committment to non-violence. That committment stands in stark contrast to the "leadership" provided by most of today's religious and political figures, for whom violence seems to be a matter of course. (show less)

 

 

by Trevor Pitcher

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  Gandhi gives an intimate insight to how he developed his experiments with the truth and principles of non-violence. The book is no easy read as his thoughts are overly analytical, but the message is plain and clear: equality for all humanity despite race, religion and gender. Although we are often led to believe that he lived a life full of perfection, Gandhi documents his struggles of maintaining his strict vegetarian diet and inability to please his family. But his rise to power from a smal... (show more)

  Gandhi gives an intimate insight to how he developed his experiments with the truth and principles of non-violence. The book is no easy read as his thoughts are overly analytical, but the message is plain and clear: equality for all humanity despite race, religion and gender. Although we are often led to believe that he lived a life full of perfection, Gandhi documents his struggles of maintaining his strict vegetarian diet and inability to please his family. But his rise to power from a small claims attorney, press editor, protester and then to a prominent member of the Congress is amazing. His life is a reflection that one does not have to be the most powerful, famous or affluent to move thousands of people towards a cause. But a person that simply lives through principle and example can achieve this goal. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Jul 21, 2009 at 02:28AM

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  well.....let's say i'm not a believer of Gandhi ji's principles.....but still i found the book quite readable......

  gives an insight to Gandhi's life and his biliefs (though i felt the records do not really satiate the reader's thirst)........The book might be able clarify his actions here and there.....but is unable to justify them(esp. to those who were against it...)Moreover it is mainly about the time he spent in England and South Africa(and his experiments there)..........and little ... (show more)

  well.....let's say i'm not a believer of Gandhi ji's principles.....but still i found the book quite readable......

  gives an insight to Gandhi's life and his biliefs (though i felt the records do not really satiate the reader's thirst)........The book might be able clarify his actions here and there.....but is unable to justify them(esp. to those who were against it...)Moreover it is mainly about the time he spent in England and South Africa(and his experiments there)..........and little of India and the movements he carried here!!!!!

  not really a one-timer.......but still a good read ......if u've free time nd u don't get bored reading autobiographies of great personalities!!!!!!!!! (show less)

   

  by Anonymous User on Mar 02, 2009 at 01:20PM

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