Thesis Statement
Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy was very significant and influential in spearheading India to independence from the British; however after attaining independent and the development of financial capitalism and eventually, globalization and industrialization in India; and the world over, there is little significance to his philosophy in the contemporary society. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of spiritual and ethnic admiration of his socialist slogans. The slogans sound accurately revolutionary in nature.
Summary of the argument and evidence employed
The paper clearly embraces Mahatma Gandhi’s effort in helping the Indian attain their independence from the British colonialists in a non-violent manner. It was achieved through his principles of appealing to the hearts of the oppressors. His writings and slogans are admirable and inspiring. Gandhi was admired even with those he non-violently fought. He believed in socialism as the only system of governance that would ensure that all the citizen of India and other countries benefit from the resources of their country. He often said that he did not want to destroy capitalists, but wanted to destroy capitalism. It is argued that his principles and philosophy were crucial during the struggle for independence. However, with the development of states and industrial revolution, it is not possible to establish the significance of his philosophy, principles, commitments, practices and ethics in the modern society. Gandhi believed in the state owning all the corporations and industries so that every citizen could benefit from the profits made as opposed to capitalism. A clear analysis of Gandhi’s practices, writings and arguments about socialism capitalism and communism are a little bit not clear and, therefore, needs clarifications (Allen, 1-29).
Critique of the thesis
Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy was critical during the struggle for independence, but it has lost practicability in the contemporary society after capitalism became the most practical system of governance world over. It is no doubt that Gandhi is one of the world’s most influential freedom fighter through his non-violent strategy. He was able to touch the hearts of many including those who were opposed to him. Capitalists in India and the western countries admired and supported him financially because of his inspirational writings, slogans and activities. Gandhi never developed enmity with people who held different views as opposed to his. Instead, he attempted to convince them why he believed in his ideology.
Position Statement
Mahatma Gandhi remains the most admired and inspirational freedom fighter that teaches on the importance of non-violence. Through his movement, India gained independence without ever shedding an innocent blood as was the case in many other countries where people lost lives.
Most important things learnt
The paper gives lesson that, through non-violence, humbleness and respect to others, one can achieve a lot and even be admired by those opposed to your position. A person can achieve a lot through acts of mercy and selfless in an attempt to achieve a noble goal. Finally, it is essential to keep updating and sharing ideas from the old way of doing things and the ever dynamic and continuously advancing society. Gandhi identified himself with the labor and believed that no one should be oppressed by those interested in amassing land and using the poor in society. He believed that in developing professional labor, people can have a bargaining base, and this would reduce oppression. Finally, Gandhi’s philosophy has influenced so many people in the world. His philosophy at a certain point appeared to have run out of practicability in the modern society that is capitalistic in nature and embraces globalization.
The following are questions that remain uppermost.
1. Is socialism in India dead?
2. What do Gandhi’s philosophy and socialism mean in the modern society? Is it applicable?
3. Could Mahatma Gandhi approve globalization?
4. Why was Gandhi admired and even financially supported by capitalists yet he worked hard to destroy capitalism?
5. What is the relationship between Gandhi’s socialism and truer communism?
Reference
Allen, D. (2012). International Journal of Gandhi Studies,Volume 1, pp. 109–137
