Freedom at Midnight

February 26, 2008 by gbrown 

Currently reading “Freedom at Midnight” by Collins and Lapierre - the account of India’s struggle for independence through the eyes of its main actors - Mountbatten, Gandhi and Nehru amongst others.

The main interest is that of Gandhi’s part in the transition, his beliefs and his legacy. Through his doctrine of non-violence we still have today a viable model for change without bloodshed so uncommonly practised. More remarkably is his connection as kindred spirits with likeminded philosophers - Martin Luther King (to whom he was an acquaintance and friend), Henry David Thoreau, Einstein and Leo Tolstoy (both of whom he conversed avidly before his death).

Gandhi’s strict adherence to a principled life can only be admired. How else could such a man without office, power or title bring about change on such a scale without money or violence? As Gandhi himself said “My life is my message”.

“Generations to come will scarce believe such a one of flesh and blood walked on this earth” (Albert Einstein on Gandhi’s passing)


His legacy can only be reflected in the works of students such as Martin Luther King whose faith in the doctrine of non-violence itself created massive change for the better in people’s lives.

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal” MLK

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