The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
To Meet Gokhale explained
Gandhi recounts his departure from South Africa after the satyagraha struggle, traveling third class to London with Kasturbai and Kallenbach.
What happens
Gandhi recounts his departure from South Africa after the satyagraha struggle, traveling third class to London with Kasturbai and Kallenbach. He describes the comfortable voyage, a symbolic act of throwing away Kallenbach's binoculars to embrace simplicity, his physical weakness after a fast, and the outbreak of World War I as they arrived in England.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Discipline and Simplicity
Gandhi and Kallenbach throw away expensive binoculars to align with their ideal of simplicity and truth.
Truth and Self-Experimentation
Gandhi reflects on the path to Truth requiring freedom from passions like anger and selfishness.
Vegetarianism and Dietary Discipline
Gandhi and his companions are fruitarians; the steward supplies them with fruits and nuts during the voyage.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Narrator and central figure; travels third class, discusses simplicity, and struggles with health after a fast.
- Kasturbai Gandhi
Travels with Gandhi to London via England.
- Hermann Kallenbach
Travels with Gandhi; participates in a symbolic act of throwing away his binoculars to embrace simplicity.
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Instructs Gandhi to return home via London.
- Dr. Jivraj Mehta
Advises Gandhi on health after his fast, warning him to rest to avoid losing use of his legs.
Key passages
“Rather than allow these to be a bone of contention between us, why not throw them into the sea, and be done with them?”
Gandhi suggests throwing the binoculars overboard to end the disagreement about owning them.
Illustrates the commitment to simplicity and non-attachment.
“A successful search for Truth means complete deliverance from the dual throng such as of love and hate, happiness and misery.”
Finding Truth requires being free from opposing emotions like love and hate, joy and sorrow.
Highlights Gandhi's philosophical view on the pursuit of truth.
“If you do not take complete rest for a few days, there is a fear of your legs going out of use.”
Dr. Mehta warns Gandhi that without rest, he might lose the ability to walk.
Shows the physical toll of Gandhi's fasting and the need for careful recovery.