Review

“The Essential Gandhi” is a thorough and well edited collection of the Mahatma’s thoughts and words, as compiled by his longtime associate Louis Fischer. Not the easiest read (it took me almost a year to finish), it is nonetheless a must-read for anyone interested in Gandhi’s life, ideals, and relative place in history. Along with some tedious chapters, there are many horses beaten well beyond death and the occasional sense that Fischer is much too in love with the little man’s words. But in those words, there is indeed much to love…

Though I’m not one to mark up books, I did a lot of highlighting as I made my way through this one. Gandhi’s words are powerful. I can’t tell you how many times I thought to myself, “If only the folks running our country would read this book.” While he was not a particularly religious man, the Mahatma was devout in his belief in God and prayer, in love and peace, in servitude and self-sacrifice. What he accomplished in India, and perhaps more importantly, HOW he did so, is almost unfathomable in today’s climate of fear, aggression, and retaliation. If only. If only…

If only people could and WOULD see the world and each other through the eyes of this Indian sage and saint. Read this book! There is much wisdom to be found here if you’re open to some incredibly uncommon “common sense.” It’s sometimes difficult, and occasionally gratuitous in its zeal, but it might be life-changing too. Depends on the reader I suppose. Depends on the life…