# The First Night 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 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xx-the-first-night
- 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