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Gandhi : A Biographical Sketch
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differences, self-dependence, bread labor, and humility, 4) discarding all tendencies of exploitation and cheating,5) shedding petty differences among people and societies, and 6) keeping the undertaken vows to the end. Horizontal structures are better for living and functioning, as vertical structures push their weight on the lower structures and are repressive. Horizontal structures help foster freedom and dignity of the individual and self
dependence and self-sufficiency of the communities. * Decentralization of power at all levels is necessary for
democratic functioning. * Production, consumption, functioning, and deliver of
justice have to be local. These foster freedom and dignity of the individual and self-dependence, self-determination,
and self-sufficiency of the communities. * Village and town crafts are important aspect of the culture.
These should be preserved and encouraged. * Indigenous talents, resources, and means should be used as
far as possible. * Use of technology should be minimum and of a low level. * Return to village and town orientations is important for a
truly happy and satisfying living. * New systems of education and political participation are
necessary for bringing proper enlightenment among people and self-dependence at different levels. The idea of selfdependence also includes the notion of self-scrutiny and
self-discipline. * Reordering of the social order may be necessary to achieve
the above mentioned goals of a happy and satisfying life for all.
Closing Coinment
Gandhi's ideas about human and societal development center around the nobility of human nature, strong will of the individual, altruistic/egalitarian social order, and characterbuilding at different levels through appropriate attitudes,
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