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How To Read Gandhi's Autobiography

Decent Essays

Most people wouldn’t have to read “Gandhi’s Autobiography” to know who Gandhi was. Sure, he was a civil rights leader that acted in humility, righteousness, and dignity, but what makes this 1948, six hundred page story worth reading? Gandhi’s Autobiography: The Story of My Experiences with Truth will teach you how to live a life of truth. Living in the truth requires discipline, respect, and service. The more that we practice this kind of character, the more that we will become a little more like Gandhi. I find comfort in the fact that Gandhi was similar to me in high school (beside that he was married at 13). I vividly remember times during my freshman year where I would tear up when I received a “B” on a test. Gandhi says, “...I very jealously …show more content…

When I found myself in a different area of life was when becoming emotional over petty things began to go away. Choosing to pursuing tennis taught me the value of discipline and hardwork. Like Gandhi because I learned how to fight for what I believe in I continue to exceed the average (141). Tennis is a game of mentality. On the court you have no one but yourself to blame for your mistakes. I know that it is my choice to make sacrifices in order to succeed. Instead of staying out late with my friends on weekends I decide to take care of my body and sleep. Instead of going to several camps in the summer, I choose to practice. Instead arguing with my coach I am open to corrections (429). And when it comes time to play, when people are watching …show more content…

I used to work the food bank with my grandfather, paint faces at my mother’s school carnival, and help pick out and deliver “love tree” gifts for families in need. Although I enjoyed giving back to my community from a young age, I realize that I didn’t have to get outside of my comfort zone in order to help others. I got rewarded for helping my family. Gandhi claims on page 215, “Such service can have no meaning unless one takes pleasure in it. When it is done for show or for fear of public opinion, it stunts the man and crushes his spirit. Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.” Growing up in a church and with two older siblings only furthered my opportunities to serve, but now that my siblings have both graduated and I am old enough to drive, I am discovering that it is my choice to give up my time for others. I have found that it is easier to serve with your whole heart when you take initiative. There are many ways I volunteer on my own. I serve on mission trips, Youth Advisory Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and at United Way. And like Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” I

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