In
the Hind Swaraj, Gandhi emphasizes the
necessity of “mature thoughts,” such as patience, respect, justice, and unity,
as the effective means for liberation and independence. The conflict in the Hind Swaraj is not between people, British
and Indian, but between different modes of society. These societies are Modern
and Ancient, which Gandhi describes as, “The one is the God of War, the other
is the God of Love,” respectively (7). By relating India as the Ancient society
of love, emotion instead of ammunition, Gandhi implies it has an innate
capacity to harbor and manifest what Gandhi calls “mature thoughts.”
As the Editor responds to the Reader in question and
answer, the Editor implies the imperativeness of “mature thoughts” by
incorporating them in response. The Editor promptly tells the reader, “You are impatient.
I cannot afford to be likewise,” after the Reader rushes the Editor to answer without
proper consideration (14). The Editor later says “There is need for patience” in
response to the Reader once again wanting answer with insufficient explanation (28).
Through this emphasis on patience, Gandhi implies that, like the reader, the
Indian people must also be patient in their quest of liberation and self-rule.
A rush for results may not produce them, as the Reader exemplifies. The Editor introduces
respect when the Editor states, “We shall become useless, if we lack respect
for our elders. Only men with mature thoughts are capable of ruling themselves,
and not the hasty-tempered” (16). Here, Gandhi posits that the impatience the
Reader expresses would be incapable of self-rule, implying that both patience
and respect are necessary in India’s quest. Both patience and respect fall into
the category of “mature thoughts,” the effective tools to reach India’s goals.
Another “mature thought” Gandhi
emphasizes is justice. The Editor introduces justice by stating, “It is bad
habit to say that another man’s thoughts are bad and ours are only good…I can
never subscribe to the statement that all Englishmen are bad” (17). Gandhi
calls self-righteousness a “bad habit,” certainly not a “mature thought,”
discrediting any idea that Englishmen are inherently bad. Such ideas would be
unjust. The Editor later says, “We who seek justice will have to do justice to
others,” implying that the Indian people cannot afford to be unjust in thinking
that the Englishmen are bad, or otherwise, for being unjust will prevent
liberation and independence (17). Enforcing this point, the Editor claims, “if
we act justly, India will be sooner free” (17). By harboring and manifesting
these mature thoughts, which now include justice, the Indian people will become
closer to realizing their goal.
The final mature thought necessary
to effectively achieve liberation and independence is unity. The Editor states
that the Indian people “further [British] hold by quarrelling amongst [themselves]”
(40). Gandhi suggests that such internal conflict impedes realization of India’s
goal, so, naturally, unity of the Indian people is another aspect of maturity
that is necessary before realizing their goal. To support this claim, the book’s
editor includes the following quote by Gandhi in the footnotes: “When everyone
in Japan, the rich as well as the poor, came to believe in self-respect, the
country became free” (27). As soon as Japan formed a sense of unity were they
able to achieve freedom.
Gandhi claims that the Indian people’s
“Strength lies in the absence of fear, not in the quantity of flesh and muscle
we may have on our bodies,” as an Ancient civilization of love (44). Their
strength lies in “mature thoughts,” not weapons and violence as the Modern
civilization prescribes. These thoughts are a necessary prerequisite for the
Indian people to achieve their goal of liberation and independence. A more
violent form of revolution would not work, for Gandhi claims “arms and ammunition
are perfectly useless” (40). The difference between British India and free
India is not a change in the British, but a change in the Indian people
themselves.
I appreciate Eric's analysis of the language Gandhi uses in an attempt to discredit those with different views. The theme of :mature thought" reminds me of the dialog in the Bhadavad Gita between Arjuna and Krishna. The preface mentioned that Gandhi read the Gita extensively, so it makes sense that these two texts would be related. Through his dialog, Gandhi mirrors the Gita by presenting the reader as ignorant and of lesser status, like Arjuna. At the same time, he presents himself as knowledgable, patient, and wise, having to explain things to those less intelligent, like Krishna. That Gandhi would present himself as a parallel to a divine figure is ironic given the (already implicitly ironic) statement that "It is a bad habit to say that another man's thoughts are bad and ours only are good" (17). Gandhi claims other are wrong to judge the English, and that Indians are responsible for their current state under British rule, which is a judgement in itself.
ReplyDeleteI think the world has recognized the validity of Gandhi's claims through action. Acting based on mature thought is important in a movement for social change because it prevents those against the movement from attacking the ethics behind action. If a protest or movement can be discredited due to a lack of any of these mature thoughts it will have far less power and influence among those it must sway. The leaders of the Civil Rights movement knew this (I've heard they learned it from Gandhi's teachings but don't have a source), which is why that movement was so focused on non-violent, respectful protests that carried not only a message for change but also for working together. Ultimately, unity is not just a goal for a social movement but society as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI think that, building off both Eric's explanation of "mature thoughts" and Josh's post, it is important to note the other important thought that is a major theme of this text, namely, respect. Respect is the force that ties us together so that we can unite and act justly. While Lachlan makes a good point about the irony of Gandhi's statements about judgement, it is important to note that, while he may disagree, he maintains his respect for both his friends and opponents. While he may dislike the views of the British or the ideas of some of his contemporaries, he respects them for attempting to hold to their ideals. This is reminiscient, in a way, of the American Revolution, with the concept of protecting another's right to say something you yourself disbelieve. You dont have to agree with those you despise, but the "mature thought" that is respect allows you to listen to them without prejudice.
ReplyDeleteEric's first point, that patience is necessary for the freedom of India is crucially important to the movement for independence. Justice, unity, and respect must all be done patiently. The Editor states "it is my duty to patiently try to remove your prejudice" (17). In order to change people's minds, to unify the people, The Editor must be patient with others, and with the results of his actions.
ReplyDeleteEric makes some great points about Gandhi's goals for India, which appear to be internal rather than external. The editor's remarks on Pax Brittanica provide evidence for Eric's point that change lies within India rather than in British relations. When asked about the utility of Pax Brittanica, the editor respinds, "you may see peace if you like; I see none," (43). This quote proves that Gandhi's aim is not to resolve relations with the British because that will not bring true peace. He believes instead that the mature thoughts amongst the Indians are a crucial change to a successful nation.
ReplyDelete