# The First Shock explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

> Chapter companion for The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

## What happens

Gandhi returns to Rajkot to practice law, relying on his brother's influence for work and compromising his principle against paying commissions. He experiences a profound humiliation when he attempts to use a personal acquaintance with a British Political Agent to intercede for his brother, only to be rudely dismissed and physically ejected from the office. The advice of Sir Pherozeshah Mehta to swallow the insult teaches Gandhi a lasting lesson about self-respect and the nature of British authority, redirecting the course of his life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

Gandhi's internal struggle with compromising his principle of not paying commissions, and his resolve after the insult to never again exploit friendship for personal gain.

### Social Justice and Anti-Colonialism

The encounter with the British officer reveals the arbitrary and humiliating nature of colonial authority, shaping Gandhi's later resistance.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Returns to Rajkot to practice law, compromises on commission principle, and suffers a humiliating encounter with a British officer.

### Kaba Gandhi

Gandhi's brother, who urges him to use his acquaintance with the Political Agent to help clear his name.

### Sir Pherozeshah Mehta

Advises Gandhi to tear up his protest note and accept the insult, warning that proceeding against the officer would ruin him.

## Key lines

> I pocketed the insult, but also profited by it. 'Never again shall I place myself in such a false position, never again shall I try to exploit friendship in this way,' said I to myself, and since then I have never been guilty of a breach of that determination. This shock changed the course of my life.

Though I accepted the humiliation, I learned a valuable lesson: I resolved never again to misuse a personal connection, and that resolve has stayed with me. This painful experience fundamentally altered my path.

_Gandhi reflects on the transformative impact of the insult, which taught him the importance of self-reliance and integrity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-iv-the-first-shock
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters