# The Black Plague—I explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

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

## What happens

Gandhi recounts the outbreak of pneumonic plague in Johannesburg, originating from a gold mine and spreading to the Indian location. With the Municipality neglecting sanitary conditions, Gandhi, Dr. William Godfrey, Sjt. Madanjit, and four young Indian clerks risk their lives to nurse the twenty-three infected patients through the night.

## Themes in this chapter

### Service and Community Leadership

Gandhi and his team risk their lives to nurse plague victims, exemplifying selfless service and leadership in a crisis.

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

The young clerks' willingness to sacrifice and Gandhi's reliance on faith and purity of heart reflect disciplined simplicity.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Cycled to the location, wrote to the Town Clerk, and nursed plague patients through the night.

### Sjt. Madanjit

Discovered the outbreak, broke open a vacant house for patients, and sent an urgent note to Gandhi.

### Kalyandas

One of the four young clerks who volunteered to nurse plague patients, described as obliging and obedient.

### Mr. Ritch

Wanted to help but was prevented by Gandhi due to his large family; handled work outside the danger zone.

## Key lines

> It is my faith, based on experience, that if one’s heart is pure, calamity brings in its train men and measures to fight it.

Gandhi believes that purity of heart attracts the necessary help and resources to overcome a crisis.

_Reflects Gandhi's spiritual conviction that moral integrity draws support in times of disaster._

> Where you are, we will also be.

The young clerks expressed their unwavering commitment to stand by Gandhi in the dangerous nursing work.

_Demonstrates the loyalty and devotion of Gandhi's coworkers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xv-the-black-plague-i
- 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