The Story of My Experiments with Truth. 'Experiments with Truth or Autobiography') is the autobiography of Mohandas K. Gandhi, covering his life from early childhood through to 1921. It was written in weekly installments and published in his journal Navjivan from 1925 to 1929. Its English translation also appeared in installments in his other journal Young India.[1] It was initiated at the insistence of Swami Anand and other close co-workers of Gandhi, who encouraged him to explain the background of his public campaigns. In 1998, the book was designated as one of the "100 Best Spiritual Books of the 20th Century" by a committee of global spiritual and religious authorities.[2]
"The Story of My Experiments with Truth" is really a thought-provoking autobiography with deep understanding of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles and the experiences that shaped his leadership during his journey towards becoming a leader of the Indian independence movement and a proponent of non-violence(Ahinsa). There is great intersection of personal ethics and social activism, as well as inspiration from one of the most influential figures in modern history.
The autobiography is a detailed account of Gandhi's personal evolution, philosophical growth, and the development of his socio-political ideas covering his early years in India, his time in England as a student, his legal career and activism in South Africa, and his return to India, where he became a prominent leader in the struggle for independence.
Gandhi's writing style is straightforward and candid. He writes with humility, often acknowledging his own shortcomings and mistakes. This honesty adds authenticity to his narrative, making his experiences and insights more relatable and impactful.
The book is interesting for a variety of reasons. However, the later chapters are harder to follow as someone who does not know anything about India’s struggle for independence.