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The Philosophy of Man according to Mahatma Gandhi

In partial fulfillment of the subject

Submitted by:
Sherramae Nicole B. Parilla

February, 2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction……………………………………….………………….……………3

Born to Death……………………………………………………….………………3

Background Information..………………….………………………….……………3

II. Body…………………………………………………………………….…….…….4

Life and Works…………………………………………………………………..….4

Influences…………………………………..……………………………………….4

III. Conclusion……………….………………………………………………….….….7

Reflection……………………………………………………………………….….7

Understandings……………………………………………………………….…….7

IV. Reference……………………………………………………………………….….8

Sources cited……………………………………………………………….……….8

Links………………………………………………………………………….…….8
I. Introduction

Mahatma Gandhi, byname of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, (born Oct. 2, 1869, Porbandar,

India—died Jan. 30, 1948, Delhi), Preeminent leader of Indian nationalism and prophet of

nonviolence in the 20th century.

Gandhi grew up in a home steeped in religion, and he took for granted religious tolerance and the

doctrine of ahimsa (noninjury to all living beings). He studied law in England from 1888 to

1891, and in 1893 he took a job with an Indian firm in South Africa. There he became an

effective advocate for Indian rights.

In 1906 he first put into action satyagraha, his technique of nonviolent resistance. His success in

South Africa gave him an international reputation, and in 1915 he returned to India and within a

few years became the leader of a nationwide struggle for Indian home rule. By 1920 Gandhi

commanded influence hitherto unattained by any political leader in India.

He refashioned the Indian National Congress into an effective political instrument of Indian

nationalism and undertook major campaigns of nonviolent resistance in 1920–22, 1930–34

(including his momentous march to the sea to collect salt to protest a government monopoly),

and 1940–42. In the 1930s he also campaigned to end discrimination against India’s lower-caste

“untouchables” (Dalits; officially designated as Scheduled Castes) and concentrated on educating

rural India and promoting cottage industry.

India achieved dominion status in 1947, but the partition of the subcontinent into India and

Pakistan was a great disappointment to Gandhi, who had long worked for Hindu-Muslim unity.

In September 1947 he ended rioting in Calcutta (Kolkata) by fasting. Known as the Mahatma

(“Great-Souled”), Gandhi had won the affection and loyalty of millions. In January 1948 he was

shot and killed by a young Hindu fanatic.

Mahatma Gandhi was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century and his philosophy

of nonviolent resistance has inspired political leaders, activists and civil rights movements

around the world. His activism, rooted in his belief in truth, nonviolence and satyagraha, played

a pivotal role in the independence of India from British rule and continues to shape India's

political and social landscape. His ideas also influenced leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr.,

Nelson Mandela, and Aung San Suu Kyi, who all used nonviolent resistance in their own

struggles for justice and equality.

In addition to his political influence, Gandhi's philosophy of simple living and self-sufficiency

has inspired countless people to adopt a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle. He advocated for

the rejection of materialism and the embrace of simplicity, emphasizing the importance of living

a life that is in harmony with nature and the environment. His legacy continues to inspire

environmental activists and sustainable living advocates, who draw on his teachings to promote a

more equitable and sustainable world. Gandhi's message of nonviolence, truth, and simplicity

remains relevant today and continues to inspire people across the globe.
Mahatma Gandhi was a political and spiritual leader in India who fought for independence

through non-violent civil disobedience. He is considered as one of the greatest leaders of modern

times and his philosophy and teachings continue to be studied and followed worldwide. The

following are some of the key subtopics of Gandhi's philosophy and teachings:

1. Civil Disobedience: Gandhi believed in non-violent resistance as a means of achieving

political and social change. He encouraged the use of civil disobedience, such as protests and

demonstrations, as a way to bring about change without violence.

2. Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Ahimsa was at the core of Gandhi's philosophy and he believed that

non-violence should be practiced in all aspects of life. He believed that violence only begets

more violence and that non-violent resistance is a more powerful and effective way of bringing

about change.

3. Truth and Satyagraha: Gandhi believed that truth and non-violence go hand in hand and that

people should always strive to live in truth. He introduced the concept of Satyagraha, which

means "insistence on truth," as a way to achieve political and social change through non-violent

resistance.
4. Simplicity and Austerity: Gandhi believed in living a simple and ascetic lifestyle and

encouraged others to do the same. He believed that material wealth and possessions were not

necessary for happiness and that people should focus on inner wealth and spiritual growth.

5. Self-Reliance and Swadeshi: Gandhi believed in self-reliance and encouraged people to rely

on their own skills and resources. He also promoted the use of locally produced goods through

the concept of Swadeshi, which means "self-sufficiency."

6. Education and Character Building: Gandhi believed that education was essential for personal

and societal growth and that it should focus on character building and moral values. He believed

that people should strive to be good citizens and contribute to the betterment of society.

7. Religious Tolerance and Unity: Gandhi believed in religious tolerance and encouraged people

of different faiths to come together in unity. He believed that all religions taught the same

fundamental values and that people should respect and learn from each other's beliefs.
III.Conclusion and Reflection

In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy and teachings continue to be a source of inspiration

and guidance for people around the world. His ideas of non-violence, truth, simplicity, self-

reliance, education, and religious tolerance are as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.

Through his leadership, Gandhi showed that people can bring about change and make a positive

impact in the world through peaceful means.

Reflecting on Gandhi's subtopics, it is clear that his philosophy was based on a deep respect for

human life and a belief in the power of non-violence. He understood that violence only begets

more violence and that people must strive to live in truth and peace. His ideas of simplicity, self-

reliance, and education also highlight the importance of personal growth and development and

the role of individuals in creating a better society. One of the things that I admire most about

Gandhi is his unwavering commitment to nonviolence as a means of effecting political and social

change. In a world that often seems dominated by violence and conflict, Gandhi's message of

love and compassion is a much-needed reminder of what is truly possible. He showed that it is

possible to resist oppression and fight for justice without resorting to violence, and that doing so

can actually be more powerful than using force.

Overall, Gandhi's philosophy of man is a reminder that we have the power to make a positive

impact in the world through our actions and our beliefs. By following his teachings and striving

to live in truth, non-violence, and peace, we can work towards creating a better world for

ourselves and future generations.

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2021, October 18). Mahatma Gandhi summary.

Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/Mahatma-Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi. (2010, July 30). Retrieved February 2, 2023, from

https://www.history.com/topics/asian-history/mahatma-gandhi

Gandhi, M. K. (1998). An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth.

Ahmedabad: Navajivan Publishing House.

Gandhi, M. K. (2002). The Essential Gandhi: An Anthology of His Writings on His Life, Work,

and Ideas. New York: Vintage Books.