The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
European Contacts (Continued) explained
Gandhi recounts his experiences hiring European stenographers in Johannesburg, highlighting the dedicated service of Miss Dick and Miss Schlesin.
What happens
Gandhi recounts his experiences hiring European stenographers in Johannesburg, highlighting the dedicated service of Miss Dick and Miss Schlesin. He praises their lack of color prejudice, their sacrifice, and their invaluable contributions to his work and the satyagraha movement, concluding with Gokhale's high esteem for Miss Schlesin.
Themes in this chapter
Service and Community Leadership
Miss Schlesin's selfless service, managing funds and leading the satyagraha movement during imprisonments, exemplifies dedication to the cause.
Truth and Self-Experimentation
Gandhi's commitment to truth is reflected in his candid portrayal of Miss Schlesin's character and his willingness to sign her letters without revision, trusting her loyalty and English.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Narrates his need for clerical help and his hiring of European stenographers in Johannesburg.
- Hermann Kallenbach
Introduced Miss Schlesin to Gandhi and worked closely with her.
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Praised Miss Schlesin as the foremost among Gandhi's coworkers for her sacrifice, purity, and fearlessness.
Key passages
“She had no objection to earning an honest livelihood, wherever available, and she was in need. So the agent sent her on to me. She immediately prepossessed me.”
Miss Dick was willing to work for anyone honestly and needed a job, so the agent referred her to Gandhi, who was immediately impressed by her.
Highlights Miss Dick's lack of prejudice and Gandhi's positive first impression.
“I have rarely met with the sacrifice, the purity and the fearlessness I have seen in Miss Schlesin.”
Gokhale said he had seldom encountered such selflessness, moral integrity, and courage as he observed in Miss Schlesin.
Gokhale's highest praise for Miss Schlesin among Gandhi's coworkers.