World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 361

Gandhi's first social sin 'Politics without principles' suggests spiritualization of Politics and therefore he introduced the method of Satyagraha. Satyagraha purifies both the parties and there by the whole of our social and cultural life. Gandhi uses the weapon of Satyagraha on political level for which Einstein remarks, "Revolution without the use of violence was the method by which Gandhi brought liberation in India. It is my firm belief that the problem of bringing peace to the world on supranational basis will be solved only by employing Gandhi's method on a large scale."9
His second dictum "Wealth Without Work" also points out at Justice. Gandhi himself experimented to earn his bread by his sweat of brow at Tolstoy Farm, Phoenix Asrama and Sabaramati as well as Sevagram Asrama. He also included Bread-labour as one of the vows of his Asrama prayer. Swadesi or self sufficiency in respect of the use of indigenous technology as the observance was enriched by Gandhi for sustaining the millions of people of India.
The third dictum 'Commerce Without Morality' was developed into the idea of Trusteeship by Gandhi. Businessman has to act only as a trustee of the Society for whatever he has gained from the society. Everything finally belongs to the Society.
The fourth dictum "Knowledge Without Character" deals with knowledge. Gandhi States, "The truest test of civilization, culture and dignity is character and not clothing.10
The fifth dictum is "Pleasure Without Conscience". Conscience of a Rational Self is evolved with great consideration of whole mankind and particularly the poorest of all.
The sixth dictum is "Science Without Humanity". Gandhi has used this worldly expression and held that Science without the thought of the welfare of humanity is also a great sin. Science and humanity together ought to pave the way for welfare and peace for all.
In fact, technology and ideology go together. Hence, if we want culture of Peace and harmony, we must have a technology of peace.11
The seventh dictum is 'Worship without Sacrifice'. Gandhi's God is Daridranarayan, God in the form of the poor as Vivekananda named them. He says, "I claim to know my millions. All the 24 hours of the day, I am with them. They are my first care and last because I recognize no God that is not to be found in the hearts of the dumb millions H.. And, I worship the God that is Truth or Truth which is God through the service of these millions.12 Gandhi did not hesitate to risk his life even to serve the suffering humanity.
Thus, Gandhi was a social scientists. For a peaceful society, he showed the way to develop social order where there is Justice.
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