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Το δώρο του θυμού
Ανακαλύψτε έντεκα από τα πιο σημαντικά μαθήματα ζωής ενός από τους πιο σπουδαίους ηγέτες και φιλοσόφους του εικοστού αιώνα –του Μαχάτμα Γκάντι– σε αυτή την έντονη και επίκαιρη εξερεύνηση του δρόμου της αλήθειας, όπως τη διηγείται ο εγγονός του Αρούν Γκάντι.
Στο ταραχώδες κλίμα που επικρατεί σήμερα σε ολόκληρο τον κόσμο, αυτά τα μαθήματα είναι πιο πολύτιμα από ποτέ. Ο αγώνας για την ελευθερία, την ισότητα και την ειρήνη μπορεί να είναι μακρύς και κουραστικός. Ωστόσο, η στάση ζωής του Γκάντι δείχνει πόσο άξιζε αυτός ο αγώνας του και ότι εξίσου θα αξίζει και ο δικός μας. Η φιλοσοφία της μη βίας απαιτεί χρόνο και υπομονή.
Τα μαθήματα αυτά εναρμονίζονται με μια οικουμενική αντίληψη για το γνώθι σαυτόν, τη διαχείριση του θυμού, την κατάθλιψη, τη μοναξιά, τη φιλία και την οικογένεια, και είναι ιδανικά για όσους αναζητούν έναν τρόπο να φέρουν μια θετική αλλαγή στον εαυτό τους και στον εύθραυστο κόσμο μας.
Πρόλογος: Μαθήματα από τον Παππού μου
- Χρησιμοποιείτε τον Θυμό σας για Καλό Σκοπό
- Μη Φοβάστε να Μιλάτε
- Εκτιμάτε τη Μοναξιά
- Γνωρίζετε την Αξία σας
- Τα Ψέματα Οδηγούν στην Πλάνη
- Η Σπατάλη είναι Βία
- Μεγαλώστε τα Παιδιά σας χωρίς Χρήση Βίας
- Η Ταπεινότητα είναι Δύναμη
- Οι Πέντε Πυλώνες της Μη Βίας
- Θα Δοκιμαστείτε
- Μαθήματα για το Σήμερα
Επίλογος: Η Μεγαλύτερη Χαρά
Στο ταραχώδες κλίμα που επικρατεί σήμερα σε ολόκληρο τον κόσμο, αυτά τα μαθήματα είναι πιο πολύτιμα από ποτέ. Ο αγώνας για την ελευθερία, την ισότητα και την ειρήνη μπορεί να είναι μακρύς και κουραστικός. Ωστόσο, η στάση ζωής του Γκάντι δείχνει πόσο άξιζε αυτός ο αγώνας του και ότι εξίσου θα αξίζει και ο δικός μας. Η φιλοσοφία της μη βίας απαιτεί χρόνο και υπομονή.
Τα μαθήματα αυτά εναρμονίζονται με μια οικουμενική αντίληψη για το γνώθι σαυτόν, τη διαχείριση του θυμού, την κατάθλιψη, τη μοναξιά, τη φιλία και την οικογένεια, και είναι ιδανικά για όσους αναζητούν έναν τρόπο να φέρουν μια θετική αλλαγή στον εαυτό τους και στον εύθραυστο κόσμο μας.
Πρόλογος: Μαθήματα από τον Παππού μου
- Χρησιμοποιείτε τον Θυμό σας για Καλό Σκοπό
- Μη Φοβάστε να Μιλάτε
- Εκτιμάτε τη Μοναξιά
- Γνωρίζετε την Αξία σας
- Τα Ψέματα Οδηγούν στην Πλάνη
- Η Σπατάλη είναι Βία
- Μεγαλώστε τα Παιδιά σας χωρίς Χρήση Βίας
- Η Ταπεινότητα είναι Δύναμη
- Οι Πέντε Πυλώνες της Μη Βίας
- Θα Δοκιμαστείτε
- Μαθήματα για το Σήμερα
Επίλογος: Η Μεγαλύτερη Χαρά
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2017
223 people are currently reading
2544 people want to read
About the author
Arun Gandhi
57 books61 followersArun Gandhi is the author of picture books and the adult memoir Legacy of Love: My Education in the Path of Nonviolence, all of which were inspired by his grandfather Mahatma Gandhi. Arun Gandhi lives in upstate New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
June 12, 2017
Not life changing, but some pretty good advice in here. The main lesson is examining why you get angry and solving the problem. That anger is like lighting, it can destroy or it can illuminate. The underlying philosophy is nonviolence, love, and equality, that each person is valid and matters.
July 20, 2017
Vani via Quint. This article is also available to read on: https://goo.gl/uzZYtn
Year 2011, I was working as a lecturer in London when I found myself face-to-face with the most challenging situations in my life. Bent on turning things around, I started reading stories of world leaders and how they faced personal and professional dilemmas to rise above the rest. Reading so, I came across a quote by Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” To this day I cannot forget how I quickly scribbled it down on a drawing sheet and stuck it on the wall of my room. My life has never been the same again, and even now – while I am in India and pursuing my passion of writing novels – if I find myself stuck, ever, all I have to do is to revisit that quote and it changes my entire perspective on things.
Interestingly, Mahatma Gandhi’s principles are as relevant to life’s puniest problems as they are to solving global issues of hatred and violence. And shedding new light on how these can – and must – be applied to today’s concerns is a book by his grandson, Arun Gandhi, titled, The Gift of Anger. Living in an apartheid-ridden South Africa of the early 90’s, young Arun often faced flak from whites – for not being white enough, and from blacks – for not being black enough. These encounters left him mentally bruised making him aggressive and angry all the time, until his parents left him with his grandfather at his iconic ashram in Wardha.
“The two years that I lived with Bapuji were an important time for both of us,” Arun writes of his stay at Sevagram. “As he (Bapuji) made changes on the world stage, I learned to make changes in myself, overcoming my own, often unwieldy emotions and discovering how to fulfil my potential and see the world through new eyes.” The book crystallises ten spiritual lessons that young Arun learnt from his grandfather – and though, “none of his philosophy made sense (to me) at the time. It was wisdom with age,” he reveals to me in an email.
As I start reading the book, I realise that much in the style of his grandfather, Arun does not use clever wordplay and complicated numbers to drive his message home. His language is simple and his ability to elucidate each life lesson with interesting (often delightful!) anecdotes makes the book as relevant for politicians wanting to have an impact on the world as for a house wife – and perhaps, that’s the whole point of it! “Sometimes it is tempting to think, ‘I am just one of the 7 billion people. What difference can I make?’” he asks, and reiterating one of his grandfather’s quotes: Be the change you wish to see in the world – exhorts people to take a stand in case they don’t approve of something. “From the smallest act to the largest, what we do in our own lives becomes a mirror for what the greater world will look like,” he says.
Gandhiji’s philosophies were a product of his time – a time when there were no cell phones and social media – and as I read the book, I do stop to wonder if he would have used these mediums to influence public opinion. “I know my grandfather would have used Twitter and Facebook…just as he used radio broadcasts to communicate his message in his day. But we can’t change the world by hitting ‘like’ on a post. Social media is useful only if it arouses people to real action,” Arun says, adding that social media gives us friends and followers, yet our connections are often flimsier than we realise. “We can’t turn for comfort or help to the ‘friends’ we know only as a Facebook photo, and it is unlikely we will convince people about an important issue like discrimination or tolerance if we make our case in a tweet. Scattered relationships don’t add up to a cohesive society.” True that, we say!
The Gift of Anger is as stimulating as it is thought-provoking, and all through the book, Arun implores his readers to find out what matters to them and stand up for it. “Bapuji didn’t care about party politics or always needing to be right. He…tested new ideas every day and constantly questioned those he held dear,” Arun says in the book, chastising people who ‘like’ and ‘follow’ each other without a thought – especially politicians. “Many politicians now follow opinion polls before taking a stand on issues and speak out only when it will serve their own interests,” he says and his assertion prompts me to ask him my next question.
Is it possible to build a political system that is based on the Gandhian principles
of Truth and honesty?
It is not impossible, but not too easy, either – or that is what I gather from his response and I quote him here. “Gandhiji said materialism and morality have an inverse relationship. The more materialism thrives the less morality is practiced. We see this today. For money we will all do whatever is asked. If we lack moral compass in society, it is reflected in politics and other public affairs. Politicians are not aliens, they are from society and reflect the decay in it.”
To some, the book may sound overly simplistic in its approach, for how could nonviolence, kindness, love, truth, compassion and peace be a solution to complicated problems of terrorism and ISIS, for instance. However – Arun’s answer remains an emphatic Yes. “Just as you cannot combat hate with hate, you cannot put down violence with more violence,” he says to me. “ISIS is the result of hate, exploitation, anger and frustration. It is not the work of crazy Muslims out to destroy the world. Nonviolence seeks to create better relationships between people of different races and religions so that senseless violence does not take place.” Thought-provoking, like I said!
Year 2011, I was working as a lecturer in London when I found myself face-to-face with the most challenging situations in my life. Bent on turning things around, I started reading stories of world leaders and how they faced personal and professional dilemmas to rise above the rest. Reading so, I came across a quote by Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” To this day I cannot forget how I quickly scribbled it down on a drawing sheet and stuck it on the wall of my room. My life has never been the same again, and even now – while I am in India and pursuing my passion of writing novels – if I find myself stuck, ever, all I have to do is to revisit that quote and it changes my entire perspective on things.
Interestingly, Mahatma Gandhi’s principles are as relevant to life’s puniest problems as they are to solving global issues of hatred and violence. And shedding new light on how these can – and must – be applied to today’s concerns is a book by his grandson, Arun Gandhi, titled, The Gift of Anger. Living in an apartheid-ridden South Africa of the early 90’s, young Arun often faced flak from whites – for not being white enough, and from blacks – for not being black enough. These encounters left him mentally bruised making him aggressive and angry all the time, until his parents left him with his grandfather at his iconic ashram in Wardha.
“The two years that I lived with Bapuji were an important time for both of us,” Arun writes of his stay at Sevagram. “As he (Bapuji) made changes on the world stage, I learned to make changes in myself, overcoming my own, often unwieldy emotions and discovering how to fulfil my potential and see the world through new eyes.” The book crystallises ten spiritual lessons that young Arun learnt from his grandfather – and though, “none of his philosophy made sense (to me) at the time. It was wisdom with age,” he reveals to me in an email.
As I start reading the book, I realise that much in the style of his grandfather, Arun does not use clever wordplay and complicated numbers to drive his message home. His language is simple and his ability to elucidate each life lesson with interesting (often delightful!) anecdotes makes the book as relevant for politicians wanting to have an impact on the world as for a house wife – and perhaps, that’s the whole point of it! “Sometimes it is tempting to think, ‘I am just one of the 7 billion people. What difference can I make?’” he asks, and reiterating one of his grandfather’s quotes: Be the change you wish to see in the world – exhorts people to take a stand in case they don’t approve of something. “From the smallest act to the largest, what we do in our own lives becomes a mirror for what the greater world will look like,” he says.
Gandhiji’s philosophies were a product of his time – a time when there were no cell phones and social media – and as I read the book, I do stop to wonder if he would have used these mediums to influence public opinion. “I know my grandfather would have used Twitter and Facebook…just as he used radio broadcasts to communicate his message in his day. But we can’t change the world by hitting ‘like’ on a post. Social media is useful only if it arouses people to real action,” Arun says, adding that social media gives us friends and followers, yet our connections are often flimsier than we realise. “We can’t turn for comfort or help to the ‘friends’ we know only as a Facebook photo, and it is unlikely we will convince people about an important issue like discrimination or tolerance if we make our case in a tweet. Scattered relationships don’t add up to a cohesive society.” True that, we say!
The Gift of Anger is as stimulating as it is thought-provoking, and all through the book, Arun implores his readers to find out what matters to them and stand up for it. “Bapuji didn’t care about party politics or always needing to be right. He…tested new ideas every day and constantly questioned those he held dear,” Arun says in the book, chastising people who ‘like’ and ‘follow’ each other without a thought – especially politicians. “Many politicians now follow opinion polls before taking a stand on issues and speak out only when it will serve their own interests,” he says and his assertion prompts me to ask him my next question.
Is it possible to build a political system that is based on the Gandhian principles
of Truth and honesty?
It is not impossible, but not too easy, either – or that is what I gather from his response and I quote him here. “Gandhiji said materialism and morality have an inverse relationship. The more materialism thrives the less morality is practiced. We see this today. For money we will all do whatever is asked. If we lack moral compass in society, it is reflected in politics and other public affairs. Politicians are not aliens, they are from society and reflect the decay in it.”
To some, the book may sound overly simplistic in its approach, for how could nonviolence, kindness, love, truth, compassion and peace be a solution to complicated problems of terrorism and ISIS, for instance. However – Arun’s answer remains an emphatic Yes. “Just as you cannot combat hate with hate, you cannot put down violence with more violence,” he says to me. “ISIS is the result of hate, exploitation, anger and frustration. It is not the work of crazy Muslims out to destroy the world. Nonviolence seeks to create better relationships between people of different races and religions so that senseless violence does not take place.” Thought-provoking, like I said!
November 4, 2020
Karma is a bitch. Έβαζες αβέρτα κουβέρτα τα 4αρια και τα 5άρια τελευταία πάρε τώρα στη σειρά τα δυαράκια για να έρθεις να ισορροπήσεις. Το δώρο του θυμού το είχα βλεφαριάσει από την στιγμή που κυκλοφόρησε αλλά δεν είχε τύχει να το διαβάσω. Όπως έχω ξαναπεί μην πολυλαμβάνετε υπόψιν τις βαθμολογίες σε τέτοια βιβλία αυτοβοήθειας γιατί είναι πραγματικά πολύ σχετικό το ποιο θα σας αρέσει και ποιο όχι.
Για μένα το δώρο του θυμού λοιπόν ήταν ένα πραγματικά πολύ αδιάφορο βιβλίο και αρπαχτή εκ μέρους του συγγραφέα που δεν είχε τίποτα πολύ ενδιαφέρον να μου πει. Προφανώς το να έχεις παππού τον Γκάντι είναι από μόνο του ένα πολύ σπουδαίο γεγονός αλλά δε σημαίνει απαραίτητα ότι έχεις το ταλέντο ως εγγονός να μεταλαμπαδεύσεις τη φιλοσοφία του σπουδαίου παππού σου. Ίσως από τα πιο παρωχημένα βιβλία αυτοβοήθειας που διάβασα τελευταία. Και αρκετή επανάληψη που προσωπικά με έκανε να βαρεθώ. Δε με ενοχλεί πάντα να μου αναμασάς τις ίδιες αμπελοφιλοσοφίες και αποστάγματα σοφίας αλλά σημασία έχει ο τρόπος που το κάνεις.
Νομίζω ότι εκτός από λοκνταουν οδεύω και σε reading slump. Τι έχει να πει ο παππούς Γκάντι γι αυτό;
Για μένα το δώρο του θυμού λοιπόν ήταν ένα πραγματικά πολύ αδιάφορο βιβλίο και αρπαχτή εκ μέρους του συγγραφέα που δεν είχε τίποτα πολύ ενδιαφέρον να μου πει. Προφανώς το να έχεις παππού τον Γκάντι είναι από μόνο του ένα πολύ σπουδαίο γεγονός αλλά δε σημαίνει απαραίτητα ότι έχεις το ταλέντο ως εγγονός να μεταλαμπαδεύσεις τη φιλοσοφία του σπουδαίου παππού σου. Ίσως από τα πιο παρωχημένα βιβλία αυτοβοήθειας που διάβασα τελευταία. Και αρκετή επανάληψη που προσωπικά με έκανε να βαρεθώ. Δε με ενοχλεί πάντα να μου αναμασάς τις ίδιες αμπελοφιλοσοφίες και αποστάγματα σοφίας αλλά σημασία έχει ο τρόπος που το κάνεις.
Νομίζω ότι εκτός από λοκνταουν οδεύω και σε reading slump. Τι έχει να πει ο παππούς Γκάντι γι αυτό;
September 1, 2022
Must read!
July 28, 2018
Εξαιρετικό βιβλίο... είναι βέβαιο πως βοηθάει πολύ στη διαχείριση του θυμού και όχι μόνο. Από τα βιβλία που πρέπει να διαβαστούν... και ίσως όχι μόνο μια φορά!
July 11, 2018
«Ο θυμός είναι για τους ανθρώπους ό,τι είναι τα καύσιμα για τα αυτοκίνητα – σε βοηθάει να προχωράς μπροστά και να ανακαλύπτεις νέα πράγματα για τον κόσμο».
Μαχάτμα Γκάντι
11 πολύτιμα μαθήματα ζωής. Ο εγγονός του Μαχάτμα Γκάντι, Αρούν, μας μεταφέρει σε ισάριθμα κεφάλαια γνώσεις και αξίες που έμαθε από τον μεγάλο, φιλειρηνιστή ηγέτη και παππού του. Νομίζω, ότι και να πω είναι λίγο μπροστά στο μεγαλείο αυτής της προσωπικότητας, που κατάφερε με την υπομονή και την αγάπη του να αλλάξει τον κόσμο. Το βιβλίο αυτό, αφηγείται πραγματικά περιστατικά από την παιδική ηλικία του Αρούν αλλά και από τη ζωή του Μαχάτμα. Τα δύο χρόνια που έζησε με τον παππού του (ή Μπάπου, όπως τον αποκαλεί ο ίδιος) του δίδαξαν πολλά, με τρόπους ανορθόδοξους ίσως, μα πάντα αποτελεσματικούς, και μια οπτική ζωής διαφορετική. Δεν είναι ένα βιβλίο μόνο για τη διαχείριση του θυμού, ξεκινώντας από εκεί, όμως, μας δείχνει πως η χρήση μη βίας μπορεί να εφαρμοστεί σε όλους τους τομείς της σύγχρονης ζωής. Πραγματικά, αξίζει να το διαβάσετε!
Μαχάτμα Γκάντι
11 πολύτιμα μαθήματα ζωής. Ο εγγονός του Μαχάτμα Γκάντι, Αρούν, μας μεταφέρει σε ισάριθμα κεφάλαια γνώσεις και αξίες που έμαθε από τον μεγάλο, φιλειρηνιστή ηγέτη και παππού του. Νομίζω, ότι και να πω είναι λίγο μπροστά στο μεγαλείο αυτής της προσωπικότητας, που κατάφερε με την υπομονή και την αγάπη του να αλλάξει τον κόσμο. Το βιβλίο αυτό, αφηγείται πραγματικά περιστατικά από την παιδική ηλικία του Αρούν αλλά και από τη ζωή του Μαχάτμα. Τα δύο χρόνια που έζησε με τον παππού του (ή Μπάπου, όπως τον αποκαλεί ο ίδιος) του δίδαξαν πολλά, με τρόπους ανορθόδοξους ίσως, μα πάντα αποτελεσματικούς, και μια οπτική ζωής διαφορετική. Δεν είναι ένα βιβλίο μόνο για τη διαχείριση του θυμού, ξεκινώντας από εκεί, όμως, μας δείχνει πως η χρήση μη βίας μπορεί να εφαρμοστεί σε όλους τους τομείς της σύγχρονης ζωής. Πραγματικά, αξίζει να το διαβάσετε!
January 5, 2018
My Gods...everyone in this generation should read this...it's easily an overnight/light read. In 2018 I decided to start on a journey of increased compassion (the kind of fire that I had in my childhood) and I'm so glad this is the first book I read in this year. It's just so relevant and timely....and one of those lesson-based books that delivers a lot of wisdom with an impactful punch. much love for the Mahatma (despite some recent findings)...I was waiting for Trump's name to show up and it finally did at the end...many of the statements made earlier on in the book about political leaders seemed to apply directly to him.
May 11, 2017
An amazing and insightful book. Arun Ghandi shares heartwarming stories and lessons learned from his famous grandfather and applies them to our world today.
I think this should be required reading for all high school students as well as all prospective politicians and leaders! But it also teaches us how EVERYONE, no matter their status or education, can and must take action to bring peace and happiness to their own lives.
I think this should be required reading for all high school students as well as all prospective politicians and leaders! But it also teaches us how EVERYONE, no matter their status or education, can and must take action to bring peace and happiness to their own lives.
June 5, 2022
Libri su valori universali e senza tempo andrebbero letti almeno una volta l'anno, per non dimenticarci mai che esiste una via alternativa alla prepotenza e alla violenza.
Cosa potrei mai scrivere su Gandhi e la non-violenza che non sia già stato detto? Metto quindi solo alcune citazioni.
Il pacifismo non era un atteggiamento passivo o remissivo. Al contrario, lui [Gandhi] lo considerava un modo per accrescere la forza morale ed etica, per progredire verso il raggiungimento di un'armonia sociale.
Il segreto dunque non era sforzarsi di non provare rabbia, ma imparare a incanalarla verso un obiettivo positivo.
Usa la tua rabbia con saggezza. Permettile di aiutarti a trovare una soluzione nell'amore e nella verità.
Un "no" pronunciato con convinzione profonda è meglio di un "sì" detto solo per blandire, o peggio, per quieto vivere.
Come possiamo pensare di cambiare il mondo se abbiamo paura ad aprire bocca?
La compassione è molto più efficace della pietà, perché la carità allontana mentre la solidarietà autentica permette di rapportarsi da pari a pari con gli altri.
I nostri talenti devono servire agli altri quanto a noi, e sono il nostro lavoro e la solidarietà a permetterne la trasmissione.
Lo spreco non è solo una cattiva abitudine. Dimostra indifferenza nei confronti del mondo ed è un atto violento ai danni della natura.
La nostra avidità e l'abitudine allo spreco perpetuano la povertà, che è un crimine contro l'umanità.
Credersi superiori provoca rancore e violenza, e rende ciechi ai rapporti profondi che legano tutta l'umanità.
Qualsiasi forma di discriminazione è un'aggressione che danneggia l'intera umanità.
Non basta far sì che la maggioranza possa condurre una vita decente. Non dobbiamo smettere di lottare finché tutti non avranno accesso ai vantaggi del progresso.
Alla fine i muri e le divisioni ci si ritorcono sempre contro, provocando rancore, ribellione e violenza.
È facile amare chi ci ama. Il vero potere della non violenza risiede nella capacità di amare chi ci odia.
Il tuo obiettivo è diventare ogni giorno migliore di ieri.
Un'oncia di fatti vale più di una tonnellata di parole.
Nessuno nasce santo. Serve uno sforzo consapevole per elevarsi oltre i propri limiti.
Cosa potrei mai scrivere su Gandhi e la non-violenza che non sia già stato detto? Metto quindi solo alcune citazioni.
Il pacifismo non era un atteggiamento passivo o remissivo. Al contrario, lui [Gandhi] lo considerava un modo per accrescere la forza morale ed etica, per progredire verso il raggiungimento di un'armonia sociale.
Il segreto dunque non era sforzarsi di non provare rabbia, ma imparare a incanalarla verso un obiettivo positivo.
Usa la tua rabbia con saggezza. Permettile di aiutarti a trovare una soluzione nell'amore e nella verità.
Un "no" pronunciato con convinzione profonda è meglio di un "sì" detto solo per blandire, o peggio, per quieto vivere.
Come possiamo pensare di cambiare il mondo se abbiamo paura ad aprire bocca?
La compassione è molto più efficace della pietà, perché la carità allontana mentre la solidarietà autentica permette di rapportarsi da pari a pari con gli altri.
I nostri talenti devono servire agli altri quanto a noi, e sono il nostro lavoro e la solidarietà a permetterne la trasmissione.
Lo spreco non è solo una cattiva abitudine. Dimostra indifferenza nei confronti del mondo ed è un atto violento ai danni della natura.
La nostra avidità e l'abitudine allo spreco perpetuano la povertà, che è un crimine contro l'umanità.
Credersi superiori provoca rancore e violenza, e rende ciechi ai rapporti profondi che legano tutta l'umanità.
Qualsiasi forma di discriminazione è un'aggressione che danneggia l'intera umanità.
Non basta far sì che la maggioranza possa condurre una vita decente. Non dobbiamo smettere di lottare finché tutti non avranno accesso ai vantaggi del progresso.
Alla fine i muri e le divisioni ci si ritorcono sempre contro, provocando rancore, ribellione e violenza.
È facile amare chi ci ama. Il vero potere della non violenza risiede nella capacità di amare chi ci odia.
Il tuo obiettivo è diventare ogni giorno migliore di ieri.
Un'oncia di fatti vale più di una tonnellata di parole.
Nessuno nasce santo. Serve uno sforzo consapevole per elevarsi oltre i propri limiti.
April 18, 2019
At times, I thought Gandhi was overtly preachy, which got on my nerves. Not everyone can be Mahatma Gandhi. While I think Gandhi recognizes that, I also think that, throughout the book, he unintentionally comes off as patronizing to those who choose not to live like his grandfather. He ocassionally comes off as overly demanding of what is needed to improve our world overall.
Despite these issues, I found the Gift of Anger to be inspiring, offering positive advice for positive change. I also loved hearing personal stories about Mahatma Gandhi. This book is a lovely tribute from a grandson to his grandfather, who happened to be a world famous activist and humanitarian. I think it's challenging for any book that structures itself around life lessons to avoid a certain level of preachiness, and I did enjoy it despite the shortcomings I found.
Despite these issues, I found the Gift of Anger to be inspiring, offering positive advice for positive change. I also loved hearing personal stories about Mahatma Gandhi. This book is a lovely tribute from a grandson to his grandfather, who happened to be a world famous activist and humanitarian. I think it's challenging for any book that structures itself around life lessons to avoid a certain level of preachiness, and I did enjoy it despite the shortcomings I found.
June 9, 2020
Amazing lessons and presented so humbly as to make you want to follow all the excellent suggestions and start looking inside yourself. If even the great Gandhi started out just so human, like the rest of us, and came to where he was through some serious self reflection, there is hope for more of us as well if we work for peace.
April 5, 2020
We must be the change we seek.
March 6, 2021
The lessons in this book seemed like they could be helpful for guiding (some) interpersonal interactions, but when applied as strategies for systemic change, these lessons become counter-revolutionary and actively harmful. I appreciated some of the stories and didn’t find value in the broad generalizations. There was also no analysis of capitalism as a system of oppression and a weak analysis of racism. Arun Gandhi closes the book by shaming forms of protest that don’t align with his definition of “nonviolence.”
July 12, 2017
I really enjoyed his book and it left me with a feeling of positivity and hope that I believe we all need in today's hostile climate. While the lessons are drawn from the author's grandfather's teaching's and were used throughout Gandhi's non-violent protests to British rule in India, the lessons are as relevant today in our personal lives as well as the current political climate of divisiveness and anger that permeates everything from social media, to television to all other ways we communicate and try to make change for the betterment of all.
All ten lessons, which I won't go into here, are ways that we can both better ourselves and, in turn, help others. The book is an easy ready and, I promise, we leave you feeling better about who you are and how using your voice, using non-violent protest and channeling anger into a positive channel, can lift you up and may help others in way that you may never expect.
Well recommended!
All ten lessons, which I won't go into here, are ways that we can both better ourselves and, in turn, help others. The book is an easy ready and, I promise, we leave you feeling better about who you are and how using your voice, using non-violent protest and channeling anger into a positive channel, can lift you up and may help others in way that you may never expect.
Well recommended!
July 9, 2018
This memoir would likely not have made it to the library shelf had the author's grandfather been anyone other than Gandhi. In brief, Arun grew up in South Africa an angry boy, spent some time in Wardha and Sevagram at Gandhi's ashram, and wisdom and peace were lapped upon him. The anecdotes aren't particularly memorable (save for that gripping episode where Arun searched for a stunted pencil nub in the bushes late at night), but all serve as vehicles for translating Gandhian messaging of simplicity, compassion, patience, and forbearance.
The Gift of Anger's saving grace for me was the sensation it produced of revisiting an old friend after too many quiet days. Arun's observations on the other world were for the most part uninspiring bromides, including oldies like social networks are bad, millennials are misguided, money in politics corrupts, and climate change will kill us.
The Gift of Anger's saving grace for me was the sensation it produced of revisiting an old friend after too many quiet days. Arun's observations on the other world were for the most part uninspiring bromides, including oldies like social networks are bad, millennials are misguided, money in politics corrupts, and climate change will kill us.
May 11, 2017
From a young man who ate 18 puran polis to a much wiser being who ate bland food with no salt or spice. At this point in my life, I fear this is something that I would not be able to do – ever! Mahatma Gandhi may have been able to eat to live, but I do, at times, live to eat.
There are so many instances in the book that are endearing to the reader. Even if you do not know the importance the author’s grandfather has in the world, it is still a lovely tale of a grandson’s recollection of stories, lessons and memories from his time spent with his grandfather at Sevagram.
For the full review, visit Frost At Midnite
There are so many instances in the book that are endearing to the reader. Even if you do not know the importance the author’s grandfather has in the world, it is still a lovely tale of a grandson’s recollection of stories, lessons and memories from his time spent with his grandfather at Sevagram.
For the full review, visit Frost At Midnite
May 22, 2017
I received this insightful read as a Goodreads giveway. Mahatma Gandhi's grandson reflects on the years and quality time he spent with his famously peace-making grandfather, and tells personal stories to illustrate the lessons he learned. In this book, Arun Gandhi describes how he found a non-profit organization that promotes Gandhi's values, and encourages us to follow his example.
July 18, 2017
I honestly loved this book, it gives me hope for the future in a time of turmoil and fear. I encourage everyone to read it, its short, and think about what can be done in their own lives to help make peace for others and themselves. How can anger and strife that is hurting you be turned into something that helps us all?
September 12, 2017
First, can I just say how beautiful the book cover is? When I first received it in the mail, I ran my fingers over the glittery gold print. Back and forth- so very captivating.
This book has plenty of jewels that we as humans need to acknowledge, understand and exercise. Doing good seems like an instinctive thing to some of us, but sometimes we need to step out and away from our everyday things to see things that we can change and make better.
I'm not quite sure why the book is titled " The Gift of Anger" because Arun lightly talks about how his grandfather helped him to exercise and strengthen his mind, and to use his anger intelligently. He then goes on about other countless lessons that his grandfather taught him.
One of the things Arun spoke of was living in today's age of information and social media doesn't give us nurturing and peace that we desperately need. "The Gift of Solitude" resonated with me as a mother of two active boys. How we keep our children busy with school programs, activities, sports, etc. The children go from one activity to another and while this is all good for the children- we need to gift them solitude to think and discover themselves.
I try to have my kids make time for themselves to read and meditate and focus on self. I will definitely make sure that is being done on a regular basis.
The book was enlightening.
This book has plenty of jewels that we as humans need to acknowledge, understand and exercise. Doing good seems like an instinctive thing to some of us, but sometimes we need to step out and away from our everyday things to see things that we can change and make better.
I'm not quite sure why the book is titled " The Gift of Anger" because Arun lightly talks about how his grandfather helped him to exercise and strengthen his mind, and to use his anger intelligently. He then goes on about other countless lessons that his grandfather taught him.
One of the things Arun spoke of was living in today's age of information and social media doesn't give us nurturing and peace that we desperately need. "The Gift of Solitude" resonated with me as a mother of two active boys. How we keep our children busy with school programs, activities, sports, etc. The children go from one activity to another and while this is all good for the children- we need to gift them solitude to think and discover themselves.
I try to have my kids make time for themselves to read and meditate and focus on self. I will definitely make sure that is being done on a regular basis.
The book was enlightening.
September 8, 2019
Interesting history about Gandhi from his grandson. I enjoyed the engaging actual stories about lessons he learned from his grandfather the most - walking 6 miles to meet his grandfather for the first time, throwing away the short pencil stub in the grass, reassembling the spinning wheel with one tiny part missing, etc. I also appreciated how important it was to his grandfather to treat all people with dignity. The author’s generalizations about politicians being self serving got old for me particularly given how much I felt I put into public service. A simple “some” politicians are x, y and z would have made his comments easier to digest.
The overall concept of the book about how we can channel our anger into more productive ways was a message we all need to hear.
The overall concept of the book about how we can channel our anger into more productive ways was a message we all need to hear.
December 16, 2019
No sé qué tiene este libro que lo hace tan maravilloso.
Quizá porque pasé hoy un día recluida en casa, meditando y en silencio, es que me dejó una mayor impresión.
Quizá porque conocí a este hombre en la feria del libro de Guadalajara y me encantó saber que era el nieto de Gandhi.
Es posible que haya sido el lenguaje tan amoroso, las anécdotas tan ingeniosas, la misma vida de Gandhi y sus descendientes la que me enamora.
O probablemente, seguramente, es la urgente necesidad que anhelo de vivir en un mundo de no violencia, la que me conmueve. Y me invita a practicar esta idea, día a día.
Lo amé.
Un gramo de práctica vale más que toneladas de enseñanza...
Quizá porque pasé hoy un día recluida en casa, meditando y en silencio, es que me dejó una mayor impresión.
Quizá porque conocí a este hombre en la feria del libro de Guadalajara y me encantó saber que era el nieto de Gandhi.
Es posible que haya sido el lenguaje tan amoroso, las anécdotas tan ingeniosas, la misma vida de Gandhi y sus descendientes la que me enamora.
O probablemente, seguramente, es la urgente necesidad que anhelo de vivir en un mundo de no violencia, la que me conmueve. Y me invita a practicar esta idea, día a día.
Lo amé.
Un gramo de práctica vale más que toneladas de enseñanza...
November 13, 2017
Admittedly, I haven’t read much about Ghandi, so this book was eye-opening. Through stories of events that happened during the two years Arun lived with his grandfather, I learned so much about Ghandi the man, the grandfather, and the leader of social justice. In a time when I’ve been filled with so much anger post the 2016 presidential election, this book was an important reminder to me that anger, channeled well, can be used for good.
January 20, 2018
More like 3.75?
Some parts are very moving, other parts flawed. Like all of us.
Some parts are very moving, other parts flawed. Like all of us.
March 16, 2021
Der Autor schreibt hier eine berührende Liebeserklärung an seinen Großvater, der zufällig auch noch einer der größten politischen Figuren seiner Zeit war. Die kleinen Alltagsgeschichten eines Mannes, der seinem Enkel und allen Menschen um ihn herum soviel Zuneigung und Geduld entgegengebracht hat, der aber auch dickköpfig war und selbst oft betont hat nicht perfekt zu sein. Und gerade diese Nähe und der Blickwinkel des kleinen Jungen beflügeln die mitgegebenen Weisheiten und lassen sie ganz leicht und unauffällig in das eigene Denken einfließen.
October 5, 2020
A must-read.
March 6, 2025
Che personaggio illuminante, Gandhi. Io lo conoscevo ben poco, salvo le sue azioni più celebri, e questo libro aiuta ad approfondirne un po' la conoscenza, vista dagli occhi ammirati del nipote Arun.
January 29, 2022
~ Un "nu" pronunțat dintr-o convingere profundă este mai bun decât un "da" dintr-o politețe sau, mai rău, pentru a evita complicațiile. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Arun Gandhi este nepotul marelui înțelept, el povestește atât din viața bunicului său, cât și timpul petrecut împreună. Dar ce mi-a plăcut cel mai mult, a fost modul în care bunicul lui îi transmitea învățămintele, cu blândețe și bunătate.
De asemenea, mi-a plăcut că am aflat multe lucruri noi despre Gandhi, dar departe gândul cărții de a-l prezenta ca un sfânt, sau ca un om perfect. I-a prezentat greșelile, defectele și pur și simplu a scos în evidență un om care a crezut în ceva și a mers până la capăt.
Inutil să mai zic că o recomand, e o carte pentru suflet. <3
Arun Gandhi este nepotul marelui înțelept, el povestește atât din viața bunicului său, cât și timpul petrecut împreună. Dar ce mi-a plăcut cel mai mult, a fost modul în care bunicul lui îi transmitea învățămintele, cu blândețe și bunătate.
De asemenea, mi-a plăcut că am aflat multe lucruri noi despre Gandhi, dar departe gândul cărții de a-l prezenta ca un sfânt, sau ca un om perfect. I-a prezentat greșelile, defectele și pur și simplu a scos în evidență un om care a crezut în ceva și a mers până la capăt.
Inutil să mai zic că o recomand, e o carte pentru suflet. <3
March 16, 2022
Challenge: Read a book by or about a Non-Western leader
Disclaimer: This review is going to be nitpicky, but that's who I am so. Here we go.
There are some really great stories of Gandhi-ji in here. I think it's worth a read for those alone. Obviously, Arun does deviate a bit, mostly to compare his past experiences with more recent experiences.
Despite everything in this review, I do think this was a nice read. It wasn't mind blowing, but it definitely made me think.
Arun reads the audiobook himself. There is value in hearing a person's words from the person themself. In this case, it's pretty clear he's not a professional audiobook reader. It's fine, but I don't necessarily recommend the audio. I don't necessarily UNrecommend it either.
He says that Bill Gates might be one of the richest men in the world, but he knows his value doesn't come from the bottom line on his tax return. THE BOTTOM LINE ON HIS TAX RETURN!!!! Excuse me, that rich ass man does not pay fucking taxes. Also THE BOTTOM LINE on his TAX RETURN. That sentence is nonsensical.
There are some very reductionary thoughts on social media, influencers, and suicide bombers. Now, he was 83 when he wrote this, so think of all the 83 year olds you know, and ya. That's his opinion on social media lol. But there is value in having and using a large platform for good things - which he even acknowledged and then disparaged in the same breath lol. He does that thing my dad does like "I don't use social media, so I'm lowkey better than people who do". He also said that influencers, because they seek out fame for fame's sake, don't need decompression time which.. I dont think is true. Also, as far as his thoughts on suicide bombers - he basically said their lives weren't great and they wanted to die which... I don't think is right. I don't agree with extremism or fanatical religion, but it's not helpful reducing things down to this level. Especially if it's reduced so far that the result is something untrue or less than true. Helpful and impactful conversations need to acknowledge the full idea of what they are referring to before speaking on them. I just side eyed when I heard those things like ahhhhhh are you sure about that Arun?
Some thoughts can come from a place of privilege. For instance, he says that parents who work too much are harming their children. As if it's a choice for everyone. Not everyone has the privilege of not working, or only working one job, or working a job with regular hours, etc. Come on Arun. I'm sure he was trying to say something about rich people putting their careers and money over their family, but you can't sum up that discussion by saying something that equates to all people who work harm their children by not spending every waking moment with them.
Disclaimer: This review is going to be nitpicky, but that's who I am so. Here we go.
There are some really great stories of Gandhi-ji in here. I think it's worth a read for those alone. Obviously, Arun does deviate a bit, mostly to compare his past experiences with more recent experiences.
Despite everything in this review, I do think this was a nice read. It wasn't mind blowing, but it definitely made me think.
Arun reads the audiobook himself. There is value in hearing a person's words from the person themself. In this case, it's pretty clear he's not a professional audiobook reader. It's fine, but I don't necessarily recommend the audio. I don't necessarily UNrecommend it either.
He says that Bill Gates might be one of the richest men in the world, but he knows his value doesn't come from the bottom line on his tax return. THE BOTTOM LINE ON HIS TAX RETURN!!!! Excuse me, that rich ass man does not pay fucking taxes. Also THE BOTTOM LINE on his TAX RETURN. That sentence is nonsensical.
There are some very reductionary thoughts on social media, influencers, and suicide bombers. Now, he was 83 when he wrote this, so think of all the 83 year olds you know, and ya. That's his opinion on social media lol. But there is value in having and using a large platform for good things - which he even acknowledged and then disparaged in the same breath lol. He does that thing my dad does like "I don't use social media, so I'm lowkey better than people who do". He also said that influencers, because they seek out fame for fame's sake, don't need decompression time which.. I dont think is true. Also, as far as his thoughts on suicide bombers - he basically said their lives weren't great and they wanted to die which... I don't think is right. I don't agree with extremism or fanatical religion, but it's not helpful reducing things down to this level. Especially if it's reduced so far that the result is something untrue or less than true. Helpful and impactful conversations need to acknowledge the full idea of what they are referring to before speaking on them. I just side eyed when I heard those things like ahhhhhh are you sure about that Arun?
Some thoughts can come from a place of privilege. For instance, he says that parents who work too much are harming their children. As if it's a choice for everyone. Not everyone has the privilege of not working, or only working one job, or working a job with regular hours, etc. Come on Arun. I'm sure he was trying to say something about rich people putting their careers and money over their family, but you can't sum up that discussion by saying something that equates to all people who work harm their children by not spending every waking moment with them.
September 24, 2017
I enjoyed reading the parts where the author (Arun Gandhi) describes events and stories about Mahatma Gandhi, his freedom fight, life at the ashram, non-violence, freedom and partition and controlling your anger. It tends to bring in a sense of calmness and peace within.
I do have an opinion about the title of the book. 'The Gift of Anger and other lessons from my grandfather Mahatma Gandhi', the book probably should have been titled differently as it has a lot of content about today's world issues revolving around technology, terrorism, violence, racism etc. Coming straight from Mahatma Gandhi's grandson I had picked this book hoping to read and know more about Mahatma Gandhi's teaching, Arun Gandhi's personal engagement and experiences with Mahatma Gandhi minus the author's never ending commentary about how it is relevant today. It is but obvious that Mahatma Gandhi's teachings will always be relevant. I also realized that author's self glorying achievements and his own memoir are also tagged along thereby making it a big part of this book. I would have liked it (as the name suggests) if the book had stuck to Mahatma Gandhi and his teaching.
I do have an opinion about the title of the book. 'The Gift of Anger and other lessons from my grandfather Mahatma Gandhi', the book probably should have been titled differently as it has a lot of content about today's world issues revolving around technology, terrorism, violence, racism etc. Coming straight from Mahatma Gandhi's grandson I had picked this book hoping to read and know more about Mahatma Gandhi's teaching, Arun Gandhi's personal engagement and experiences with Mahatma Gandhi minus the author's never ending commentary about how it is relevant today. It is but obvious that Mahatma Gandhi's teachings will always be relevant. I also realized that author's self glorying achievements and his own memoir are also tagged along thereby making it a big part of this book. I would have liked it (as the name suggests) if the book had stuck to Mahatma Gandhi and his teaching.
May 18, 2019
Öfkeyi akıllıca kullan.
Günlük yaşantımızda sıklıkla "mutlu ve iyi yürekli" yerine "zengin ve başarılı" olmanın ön plana çıktığı bir yaşam modeli seçiyor olmamız beni oldukça kaygılandırıyor.
Zorbalar göstermek istedikleri kadar güçlü değillerdir, onlar yalnızca kendilerini önemli hissedebilmek için kendilerinden daha güçsüz birini ararlar.
Kuşkuya düştüğünde, hayatında gördüğün en yoksul, en güçsüz kişinin yüzünü gözünün önüne getir ve kendine, atmak üzere olduğun adımın bu kişinin yararına olup olmayacağını sor.
Bir gram uygulama bir ton teoriden daha değerlidir.
Mutluluk zaferin kendisinde değil, bunun için verilen mücadele, çaba ve çekilen zorluklarda gizlidir.
Günlük yaşantımızda sıklıkla "mutlu ve iyi yürekli" yerine "zengin ve başarılı" olmanın ön plana çıktığı bir yaşam modeli seçiyor olmamız beni oldukça kaygılandırıyor.
Zorbalar göstermek istedikleri kadar güçlü değillerdir, onlar yalnızca kendilerini önemli hissedebilmek için kendilerinden daha güçsüz birini ararlar.
Kuşkuya düştüğünde, hayatında gördüğün en yoksul, en güçsüz kişinin yüzünü gözünün önüne getir ve kendine, atmak üzere olduğun adımın bu kişinin yararına olup olmayacağını sor.
Bir gram uygulama bir ton teoriden daha değerlidir.
Mutluluk zaferin kendisinde değil, bunun için verilen mücadele, çaba ve çekilen zorluklarda gizlidir.
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