Mahatma Gandhi on Modernity Essay Example
Mahatma Gandhi on Modernity Essay Example

Mahatma Gandhi on Modernity Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (828 words)
  • Published: April 28, 2022
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Mahatma Gandhi, an important leader in India, played a crucial role in the nation's struggle for independence. He placed significant importance on democracy and nonviolent approaches. Eventually, he became the first Prime Minister. Nevertheless, what distinguished Gandhi from other freedom fighters globally was his acknowledgment of the colonizers' intelligence and appreciation for their advanced lifestyle. He praised their inventions and efficient governing systems that led to remarkable progress.

Mahatma had a different perspective; he vehemently disapproved of modernization and never acknowledged its benefits. Anything related to the westernization of Britons was always negative in his opinion. It is surprising how his own life was shaped by the very modernity he opposed. Despite his strong opposition, Mahatma made significant advancements in medicine as a successful physician among his people.

He found remedies for the residents of Kasturba and o

...

ther individuals nearby. Similar to doctors, he conducted numerous experiments on his own body and authored multiple articles on dieting. Mahatma extensively wrote about contemporary political organizations, particularly criticizing their lack of concern for the well-being of the people and their emphasis solely on political power. He even referred to the modern parliament as merely a place of idle talk. Nevertheless, he never advocated for a complete separation of political institutions at any given time.

Although Gandhi never openly expressed or demonstrated any resistance towards machines or technologies, he acknowledged their continuous necessity in society. He frequently utilized trains for transportation, with his only reservation being the way these technologies were constructed and managed. Curiously, Gandhi himself employed a Charkha, which is a form of machine, as a method of redemption. The rationale behind his disapproval and critique of modernity remains

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unclear, but it is essential to recognize that he specifically denounced particular facets of modernity.

His focus was on criticizing political organizations and professionalism in the modern world. Undoubtedly, there was a substantial change in human civilization as we transitioned from pre-modern to modern times. In the pre-modern era, machines were exclusively built to cater to the specific needs of certain communities and had limited applications.

In the past, machines were self-sufficient, but this changed in modern society. However, Gandhi's main concern was not machines; he focused on resolving issues that directly affected the community, such as political systems that neglected it. Gandhi seemed to be concerned about new systems prioritizing individuals over the community. In today's world, professionals like doctors and lawyers are seen as individuals rather than being dedicated to serving the community as they were in the past.

Comprehending and reflecting on Gandhi's viewpoint can be difficult, necessitating a profound fascination with the topic. Being a philosopher, Gandhi examined various facets of society. Despite his critique of modernity, he vehemently opposed feminism, which contradicted his stance against modernity. Nonetheless, he maintained the belief that women should fulfill their duty of serving their husbands irrespective of societal recognition.

This article explores the criticisms of Mahatma Gandhi and Sun Yat-sen in their respective eras, shedding light on the societal ideologies of India and China in relation to modernity. Additionally, it delves into the influence of Mahatma Gandhi during his lifetime and beyond, highlighting how his ideas about modernity were embraced by people. This information is crucial to my research as it offers valuable insights into individuals' reactions to Gandhi's philosophy and ideologies.

This article examines Mahatma Gandhi's techniques for

achieving India's liberation from colonial rule. It illustrates how Gandhi used criticism as a strategic approach to gain independence without resorting to physical conflict. This article is valuable for my research as it offers insight into Gandhi's perspectives on social matters and his viewpoints on various subjects he addressed.

The article titled "The Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi for the Twenty-First Century" by Allen et al. (2008) will be a valuable resource for my research. It explores Gandhi's ideas on modernity and demonstrates how his philosophies can address contemporary issues. This analysis highlights the aspects that contributed to Gandhi's revered status and provides insight into his beliefs. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, it will be an important reference for my research paper.

References

  1. Allen, D., Dadhich, N., Prabhu, J., Paranjape, M., Naidu, M. V., Chatterjee, M., & ... Pare. (2008). The Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi for the Twenty-First Century. Lanham: Lexington Books.
  2. Aughn,C.

(2014). Mahatma Gandhi 86 Success Facts - Everything You Need to Know About Mahatma Gandhi. Place of publication not identified: Emereo Publishing.

  • Chakrabarty, B. (2006). Social and Political Thought of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • London: Routledge.

    • Dalton, D. (2012). Mahatma Gandhi: Nonviolent Power in Action. New York: Columbia University Press.
      Lee, T. L. (2015).

    Reference:

    • Dalton, D. (2012). Mahatma Gandhi: Nonviolent Power in Action. New York: Columbia University Press.
      Lee, T. L. (2015).

    The article "Modernity and postcolonial nationhood: Revisiting Mahatma Gandhi and Sun Yat-sen a century later" by Paranjape, M.R. (2014) is published in the journal Philosophy & Social Criticism, volume 41(2), on page 131, with the DOI number doi:10.1177/0191453714554025.

    London: Routledge. The Death and Afterlife of Mahatma Gandhi.

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