The Story Of My Experiments with Truth - An Autobiography

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Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Western India in 1869. He was educated in London and later travelled to South Africa, where he experienced racism and took up the rights of Indians, instituting his first campaign of passive resistance.

In 1915 he returned to British-controlled India, bringing to a country in the throes of independence his commitment to non-violent change, and his belief always in the power of truth. Under Gandhi’s lead, millions of protesters would engage in mass campaigns of civil disobedience, seeking change through ahimsa or non-violence.

For Gandhi, the long path towards Indian independence would lead to imprisonment and hardship, yet he never once forgot the principles of truth and non-violence so dear to him.

Written in the 1920s, Gandhi’s autobiography tells of his struggles and his inspirations; a powerful and enduring statement of an extraordinary life.

What will you learn from this book

Search for Truth: Gandhi's relentless pursuit of truth is a central theme. He explores his own life experiences, mistakes, and spiritual journey in the quest for truth and self-realization.
Concept of Satyagraha: The autobiography introduces the concept of Satyagraha, which means "truth-force" or "soul-force." Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance is a key aspect of his life and activism.
Influence of Religion and Spirituality: Gandhi shares how his religious and spiritual beliefs, influenced by Hinduism, Jainism, and other religions, shaped his character and actions.
Simple Living and High Thinking: The autobiography underscores Gandhi's commitment to a simple lifestyle and high moral and ethical standards. He emphasizes the importance of reducing material needs and leading a life of integrity.
Experiments in Diet and Health: Gandhi's experiments with vegetarianism and his views on diet and health are discussed. He believed that a simple, vegetarian diet contributed to physical and spiritual well-being.
Struggles in South Africa: The book narrates Gandhi's experiences in South Africa, where he faced racial discrimination and injustice, leading him to develop the principles of nonviolent resistance.
Role in Indian Independence: Gandhi reflects on his pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. He discusses various campaigns, movements, and the philosophy that guided the Indian National Congress.
Ahimsa (Nonviolence): Ahimsa, or nonviolence, is a core principle in Gandhi's philosophy. The autobiography elaborates on how he applied this principle in both personal and political life.
Constructive Program: Gandhi's emphasis on constructive work for social upliftment is highlighted. He believed in building a new social order through constructive efforts like education, sanitation, and rural development.
Legacy and Continued Relevance: The autobiography leaves readers with Gandhi's enduring legacy. His teachings on nonviolence, truth, and the pursuit of a just society continue to inspire movements for civil rights, social justice, and peace globally.

Language	English
ISBN-10	0140066268
ISBN-13	9780140066265
No of pages	454
Font Size	Medium
Book Publisher	Penguin Books
Published Date	25 Nov 1982

About Author

Author : Mahatma Gandhi

4 Books

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.