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An Autobiography summary
The Story of My Experiments with Truth
29 mins
Brief summary
An Autobiography by M. K. Gandhi is an inspiring memoir that details his personal journey of struggle and spiritual growth, including his leadership in India's fight for independence.
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An Autobiography
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Born into the merchant caste in Porbandar, India, Gandhi was wed in a child marriage at age 13.
If you’re familiar with world history and how nations become independent, you know that the process can often be a violent affair. Yet India was able to gain its independence from Britain, and this remarkable feat has a lot to do with the nonviolent beliefs of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the man who led that fight for independence.
As an adult, Gandhi’s beliefs, practices and accomplishments changed the world, but his upbringing was quite humble.
Gandhi was born in India on October 2, 1869, the youngest child of Karamchand Gandhi, his father, and Putlibai, his mother. His family belonged to the Modh Bania, a class of Hindu merchants, and lived in the harbor town of Porbandar, on the Kathiawar peninsula, in the western state of Gujarat.
Gandhi’s father was commonly known by the nickname “Kaba,” and he worked as a diwan, or chief minister, of two other Gujarati cities, Vankaner and Rajkot, where Gandhi spent much of his childhood. Kaba didn’t have any formal education, but he did have plenty of life experience, as well as an honest and incorruptible value system that proved to be quite influential with his son.
Gandhi’s mother, Putlibai, also left a lasting impression, thanks to her devotion to Hinduism and determination to stay well-informed on current affairs. Gandhi was also raised to be tolerant and inclusive toward others, as the family’s friends were numerous and diverse, and included Muslims, Jains and Parsis.
In school, Gandhi was an average student at best, but he did display an early talent for understanding morality.
In particular, he admired the honorable characters from the plays that were read in class, such as Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka. In this enduring folktale, the protagonist’s devotion to his blind parents is so strong that he carries them on his shoulders.
Gandhi also adopted an important guiding principle early on in life in the form of a saying passed down from the Gujarati community – if one receives evil from a person, one should respond with goodness.
Certainly, Gandhi’s morality and sense of honor seem already to have been in place when his teacher tried to persuade him to copy his classmates’ work during a spelling test that was being given by an inspector. Young Gandhi simply couldn’t understand what the teacher was asking of him.
It was only a few years later, as a 13-year-old, that Gandhi would be wed. Since such wedding ceremonies were quite expensive, the event also included the marriages of one of his brothers and a cousin.
At the time, Gandhi was quite excited about getting married, but as an adult, he was a vocal critic of the practice of child marriage.
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What is An Autobiography about?
An Autobiography (First published in two volumes; Volume 1, 1927, and Volume 2, 1929) is the autobiography of one of the world’s most famous political icons – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The book traverses his rebellious childhood, his early activism in South Africa and his work for the Indian Independence Movement up until 1920, and gives insight into Gandhi’s personal philosophy and his lifelong quest for Truth.
An Autobiography Review
An Autobiography (1927) by M.K. Gandhi is a captivating memoir that takes readers on a journey through the life of one of the greatest leaders in history. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers valuable insights into Gandhi's personal struggles and transformation, inspiring readers with his dedication to nonviolence and social justice.
- Covering both his successes and failures, this book provides a realistic portrait of Gandhi, making it relatable and thought-provoking.
- With its engaging narrative and powerful anecdotes, the book keeps readers hooked, ensuring that it is far from a boring read.
Best quote from An Autobiography
But all my life though, the very insistence on truth has taught me to appreciate the beauty of compromise.
—M. K. Gandhi
Who should read An Autobiography?
- Anyone interested in Gandhi’s life and personal philosophy
- Students of history and political science
- People cultivating leadership skills
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An Autobiography FAQs
What is the main message of An Autobiography?
The main message of An Autobiography is embracing truth and nonviolence to bring about social and political change.
How long does it take to read An Autobiography?
The reading time for An Autobiography varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is An Autobiography a good book? Is it worth reading?
An Autobiography is a captivating read that provides insights into Gandhi's life and philosophy. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of An Autobiography?
The author of An Autobiography is M. K. Gandhi.
What to read after An Autobiography?
If you're wondering what to read next after An Autobiography, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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