Gandhi's Life in His Own Words

by Mahatma Gandhi

My uniform experience has convinced me that there is no other God than Truth. And if every page of these chapters does not proclaim to the reader that the only means for the realization of Truth is ahimsa, I shall deem all my labour in writing these chapters to have been in vain. And, even though my efforts in this behalf may prove fruitless, let the readers know that the vehicle, not the great principle, is at fault.
- M. K. Gandhi

Genres: India, Biography Memoir, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Philosophy

79 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India. Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights and freedom across the world.

The son of a senior government official, Gandhi was born and raised in a Hindu Bania community in coastal Gujarat, and trained in law in London. Gandhi became famous by fighting for the civil rights of Muslim and Hindu Indians in South Africa, using new techniques of non-violent civil disobedience that he developed. Returning to India in 1915, he set about organizing peasants to protest excessive land-taxes. A lifelong opponent of "communalism" (i.e. basing politics on religion) he reached out widely to all religious groups. He became a leader of Muslims protesting the declining status of the Caliphate. Assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women's rights, building religious and ethnic amity, ending untouchability, increasing economic self-reliance, and above all for achieving Swaraj—the independence of India from British domination. His spiritual teacher was the Jain philosopher/poet Shrimad Rajchandra.

Reviews

[Udit Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

" If someone were to end my life by putting a bullet through me and I met his bullet without a groan, and breathed my last taking god's name, then alone would I have made good my claim." Bapu uttered this less than 20 hours before he was shot. His life doesn't manifest an ideal world rather it showcases a life with imperfections. We all are imperfect and so was bapu. Our nation has come a long way after independence but there are still areas where his life will be a great message to be followed.

[Shahril Fadly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring philosophy, truthfully humble, casually written with powerful depth of wisdom embodied inside this compact 'must-read' memoir.

[Guchu]

I found this to be a lot more readable/interesting and thought provoking than I expected- albeit sometimes contentious and problematic with a good sprinkle of self-aggrandizement.

"Why should He [God] have chosen me, an imperfect instrument, for such a mighty experiment? I think He deliberately did so. He had to serve the poor dumb ignorant millions."

I enjoyed his thoughts on self-restraint through food/fasting and the concepts of ahimsa and himsa.

I will certainly be looking for a fuller (Auto)biography.

(Most surprising tidbit for me: Gandhi was quite pro-euthanasia).

[Srinivas Naik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and succinct compilation of the Mahatma's (I learned that Gandhi detested this title) writings during all stages of his life, from schooling, through England, South Africa, his return and after the Indian Independence. It's a valuable introduction to the main ideals of Gandhiji - of Truth and ahimsa. This book whets my appetite to read Gandhi's experiments with Truth.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand the aim of the book, which is mentioned at the very beginning: to be accessible and affordable. However, I think this is also the reason it falls short. It presents partial stories in which you barely start reading about a specific event in Gandhi's life, and after a few words, the chapter ends.

[Jorge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and short biography, I never think the big importance of Gandhi's was religion.

Never imagined the importance of religion in his life, don't tell about the name of his wife and son and daughters.

[Salah Almansour · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it was too briefed, I wanted to know more.
You hardly get a glimpse then the chapter finishes.
I think this book is for people that have enough info on Gandhi's life not for a first timer like myself

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gandhi's Life in his Own Words

A good compilation of Gadhi's thoughts and his views of his actions in llife. A good book to read to get an understanding of his views and actions.

[Jennifer Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable

I read this in one day but highly informative. Recommended for anyone who is interested in Gandhi's life and works.

[gina Hillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read

Covers a timeline of his life. Lots of personal insight. I really enjoyed reading about his experiences and personal growth.

[Meli Leelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Reading this makes you reflect and think being humble giving and forgiving will fulfill your life. This book is a great read

[Prizma Ghimire · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intimate memoir of Gandhi's life, his values and his respect with religion.

[Tzu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. To be human or to be a saint, it isn't about being perfect. It's about being on the right track, no matter where we come from, or what we have done in our pasts.

[Jeremy Sebolt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

Even when the stories and life experiences were getting interesting the story would abruptly turn and not finish,I guess I should get the full story

[Marck Cortez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful!

[Cathy Spelker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

He was one of my hero's growing up in the 60s. This book did answer questions I had and told me things I didn't know

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A veritable snack-sized (pardon the pun) offering of Mahatma's teachings and learnings across all stages of his life. Cliff(top) notes...

[Jill Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Words of a review cannot begin to describe this book as read/told by Gandhi himself. One gets a glimpse into what was going on during that time. A must read for ALL!

[Edward Deleon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gandhi

Exceptional focus on being. He is or was committed not only to Truth and God,but those around him. He is Truth.

[Albert Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ok

I like it very quick and brief. Not a lot of good quotes or details but a good look inside ones mind.

[Gary F Breaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient & Elegant Wisdom

(IF) those of & in, influence need these words; (THEN) We/All could achieve: "Better". Gandhi's messaging and instruction is simple: Love!

[Theresa Beehler]

Review

Not what I expected. But interesting.. From his words, you learn more about his early years
And his philosophy of live. Some of it quite surprising.

[Gaby Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quote: "But I know too that performance of one’s duty should be independent of public opinion. I have all along held that one is bound to act according to what to one appears to be right, though it may appear wrong to others."

*He estado fascinada por la persona de Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi por muchos años. Por eso compré este libro.

[Neeraj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very concise summary of Gandhi's life. will read the full autobiography in the future.