The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
The First Night explained
Gandhi recounts the challenges of publishing the first issue of Indian Opinion from Phoenix.
What happens
Gandhi recounts the challenges of publishing the first issue of Indian Opinion from Phoenix. When the oil-engine fails, he and his team, including Albert West and carpenters, work through the night using a hand-wheel. The engine mysteriously works in the morning, and the paper is dispatched on time, fostering self-reliance and moral uplift.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Discipline and Simplicity
Gandhi's preference for hand-power over engines reflects a commitment to simplicity and self-reliance, culminating in the eventual abandonment of the engine.
Service and Community Leadership
Gandhi mobilizes the carpenters and team to work through the night, demonstrating collective effort and leadership in a crisis.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Leads the effort to publish the first issue, suggests using hand-power, and works alongside carpenters.
- Albert West
Despairs when the engine fails but is comforted by Gandhi; helps organize the hand-wheel work and sings a hymn.
Key passages
“The engine will not work, I am afraid we cannot issue the paper in time.”
West fears the paper cannot be published on schedule because the engine is broken.
West's despair highlights the crisis of the first night.
“If we cannot be called upon in an emergency, what use are we?”
The carpenters willingly agree to help, saying their purpose is to assist in times of need.
The carpenters' response underscores the spirit of cooperation.