# Some Reminiscences of the Bar explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

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

## What happens

Gandhi reflects on his legal practice in South Africa, emphasizing his commitment to truth and integrity. He recounts a specific case where he insisted on admitting a clerical error in an arbitration award, despite opposition from his senior counsel and potential risk to his client, ultimately gaining his client's support to proceed honestly.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Self-Experimentation

Gandhi recounts his unwavering commitment to truth in legal practice, refusing to lie or conceal errors even at the risk of losing a case.

### Service and Community Leadership

Gandhi notes that much of his legal work was for public interest, charging only out-of-pocket expenses.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Narrator and central figure, reflecting on his legal practice and adherence to truth.

## Key lines

> I never resorted to untruth in my profession, and that a large part of my legal practice was in the interest of public work, for which I charged nothing beyond out-of-pocket expenses, and these too I sometimes met myself.

Gandhi states he never lied as a lawyer and often worked for public causes without charging fees beyond expenses, which he sometimes paid himself.

_Highlights his ethical approach to law and public service._

> I warned every new client at the outset that he should not expect me to take up a false case or to coach the witnesses, with the result that I built up such a reputation that no false cases used to come to me.

Gandhi told clients he would not handle dishonest cases or coach witnesses, which led to a reputation that deterred false cases.

_Illustrates how his honesty shaped his legal practice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xliv-some-reminiscences-of-the-bar
- 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