“If each retained possession of only what he (or she) needed, no one would be in want and all would live in contentment.” ~ Gandhi, From Yaravda Mandir, ch. 9, p. 37 This is part of Gandhi’s unshakeable faith in (or should we say, his awareness of) the moral order of the universe. The world… read more
Tag Archives: human needs
Sufficiency: Daily Metta
“Even in a most perfect world, we shall fail to avoid inequalities, but we can and must avoid strife and bitterness.” ~ Gandhi, Young India October 7, 1926. When Gandhi said this 90 years ago, he decidedly did not mean that we must put up with gross inequalities and obscene poverty. He means that striving… read more
Decentralization: Daily Metta
“Khadi mentality means decentralization of the production and distribution of the necessities of life.” ~ Gandhi, Mind of Mahatma Gandhi, p. 406 Once again we see how khadi (cotton spinning) was iconic for the entire program of economic uplift for India—and her freedom. Imagine the freedom and security it would bring us, or anyone, if… read more
Silent Revolution: Daily Metta
“Obedience to the law of bread labour will bring about a silent revolution in the structure of society.” ~ Gandhi, Mahatma, 4.36 A “silent revolution” of this kind exemplifies the power of Constructive Programme. Why did Gandhi place so much hope in this one of its 18 projects? Because it would reground the economy in… read more
“Nonviolence and human rights”–Daily Metta
November 30: “I for one will not hesitate to give water or food to a soldier who comes to me with hands red with murder.” –Gandhi (Mahatma, vol. 6, p. 53) Gandhi understood that nonviolence was the active and radical expression of empathy. There was no one, in his book, who did not deserve kindness,… read more
“The Zero Effect”–Daily Metta
August 27: “But I know that I have still before me a difficult path to traverse. I must reduce myself to zero. So long as one does not of his own free will put himself last among his fellow creatures, there is no salvation for him.” –Gandhi (Autobiography) In many cultures around the world, people… read more
