Mahatma Gandhi left a legacy of fearlessness and the author terms it as fundamental and it is coupled up with either truth and non- violence or both. If at all Gandhian principles are to be taken seriously then the former is more important than the latter. Thus, fearlessness forms the mother of all actions end truth and violence cannot match it. Non- violence is neither for the weak nor for cowards, if the aggrieved is fearless in facing the oppressor, has enough thought been put in their actions. Fearlessness is an attribute of the brave and it comes with strengths that supersede the strength of the muscle.
In leading by example, Gandhi called off all his campaigns that almost turned violent. It was not an indication of weaknesses on his part but his commitment to non- violence. Gandhi would have rather had a psychological fight and not a physical one. The author points out the fact that Gandhi did not fancy cowardice, his actions were rooted in bravery as the main course of action. Passive resistance was not part of his strategies because that did not bring out the fearlessness of a person. It is possible to have brave people without violence.
Fearlessness is an attribute that does not exist in isolation. When putting it in the context of truth and violence. In as much as Gandhian principles do not approve of violence, there are times when non- violent means fail. When the British were fighting Boers in South Africa, violence was the main approach. Gandhi chose to be on the side of the British and even if he was not directly involved in violent activities, he partook of the war. The question that arises then is whether he was brave or fearless. But if he managed to tone down the Pathans against the British then his resolute and belief in non- violence was proven.
It is not possible to be fearless without being brave. These two terms and their meanings complement each other. In the words of Indira Gandhi, Gandhi delivered people from fear gave them their freedom. Freedom comes by the strength of the fearless. Gandhi wanted everyone to be fearless but above all, he wanted them to be non- violent. His teachings are encompassed in love and truth for it is through truthfulness and love that people can engage each other without violence. Truth and non- violence are the pillars that make people fearless because if their enemies share the same sentiments then there is nothing to fear.
The most important thing reflected in this reading is the fact that solving problems between enemies does not require violence. Two warring factions can agree to chart a way forward without necessarily involving themselves in violence. The Gandhian approach of solving problems between persons of two opposing side is philosophical in every aspect because when fearlessness is experienced between both, no one stands to lose.
Questions
- Is it possible to achieve freedom without violence? Oppressors always want to have their way and the oppressed always want a way out. Can the two agree without engaging in non- violent means?
- History has it that wars give rise to political freedom, how is fearlessness and bravery applicable in such situations without engaging in violence.
- Can truth and violence coexist?
- Which of the two is better, violence or non- violence?
Work Cited
Sharma, Arvind. Fearlessness As a Fundamental Category in Gandhian Thought and Practice. PDF File
