The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
The Black Plague—II explained
Gandhi recounts the aftermath of the plague outbreak in Johannesburg, including the establishment of a temporary hospital, his use of earth treatment and refusal of brandy, and the recruitment of Albert West to manage the Indian Opinion pre
What happens
Gandhi recounts the aftermath of the plague outbreak in Johannesburg, including the establishment of a temporary hospital, his use of earth treatment and refusal of brandy, and the recruitment of Albert West to manage the Indian Opinion press in Durban.
Themes in this chapter
Service and Community Leadership
Gandhi organizes a temporary hospital, nurses plague patients, and recruits Mr. West to manage the press, demonstrating selfless service.
Self-Discipline and Simplicity
Gandhi reduces his diet during the epidemic and refuses brandy, relying instead on earth treatment and personal discipline.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Leads the nursing effort, uses earth treatment, and recruits Mr. West for the press.
- Albert West
Volunteers to nurse plague patients but is instead sent to manage the Indian Opinion press in Durban.
- Sjt. Madanjit
Likely to be engaged in Johannesburg, prompting the need for a replacement at the Durban press.
- Henry Polak
Mentioned as having been secured through Gandhi's letter to the press about the plague.
Key passages
“I expressed my gratitude, and without taking even a second to think, replied: 'I will not have you as a nurse. If there are no more cases, we shall be free in a day or two. There is one thing however.'”
Gandhi thanked Mr. West but declined his offer to nurse, instead proposing he manage the Indian Opinion press in Durban.
Gandhi quickly redirects Mr. West's offer of help to a more pressing need.
“The experience enhanced my faith in earth treatment, as also my scepticism of the efficacy of brandy, even as a medicine.”
The plague nursing experience strengthened Gandhi's belief in earth treatment and his doubt about brandy's medicinal value.
Gandhi reflects on how the outcomes of his treatments shaped his views.