On Mohandas K. Gandhi

Gandhi, as most of you well know, was a powerful advocate of non-violent civil disobedience and much of the backbone of de-colonization in the 20th century.
Gandhi’s personal life after his initial years as an attorney speaks volumes of his commitment to basic human justice. From making his own homespun for his clothing, his decision to go barefoot or with extremely simple footwear took its toll on his feet. He embraced the Hindu religion and beliefs, using its symbolism and mysticism to reinforce his message of human rights and justice for all. Adopting the traditional diet of India’s lower castes also affected his personal hygiene and physical health to some extent, but his sincerity and commitment to his religion and way of life left no doubt in anyone’s mind that he was a super-calloused, fragile mystic blessed with halitosis.