Machiavelli and Gandhi Essay - 858 Words

Ahimsa is a concept that was practiced by political and ideological leader Mohandas Gandhi; a concept that he used to promote the use of non-violent tactics and passive resistance against colonial rule in India. Mohandas Gandhi used Ahimsa as the means to an end and therefore, ultimately rejected Machiavellis advice on the qualities a prince must possess to retain his title. Machiavelli advises that the leaders have military experience and, â€Å"In peace time he must train himself more than in times of war. This can be done in two ways: one by action, the other by the mind† (Jacobus 40). Ghandi does not have military experience and Ahimsa, loosely translated, means abstinence from violence either by thought, word, or deed. Ahimsa requires a†¦show more content†¦In the worst case, some of Mohandas’ followers and practitioners of Satyagraha were killed for diligently pursuing the cause of freeing India from British colonial rule. Nevertheless, Mohandas did not w aver on his word or his pursuit of resisting the British government in India. Machiavelli also states in â€Å"The Qualities of the Prince†, â€Å"he must strive to make everyone recognize in his actions greatness, spirit, dignity, and strength† (Jacobus 50). This advice was stated in the context that it is better to be feared than loved because as a leader it is your responsibility to control and run the state. Mohandas Gandhi dedicated most of his life to freeing India from British colonial rule. He had led thousands and inspired millions in the pursuit of this goal. In Mohandas Gandhi’s autobiography he stated, â€Å"The seeker after truth should be humbler than the dust. The world crushes the dust under its feet, but the seeker after truth should so humble himself that even the dust could crush him. Only then, and not till then, will he have a glimpse of truth† (Gandhi). Through humility Mohandas obtained followers and pursued his goal of relinquishin g India from colonial rule. However, because Mohandas refused to give up on his dream of an independent India, Mohandas gained, along with his followers, those who also opposed his methods and teachings. Mohandas Gandhi had proven his actions many times through his progressShow MoreRelatedEvaluating Historical Views Of Leadership Paper LDR1080 Words   |  5 Pagesanalyzing the commonalities and disparities among a group of influential leaders, such as Thomas Carlyle, Mohandas Gandhi, Niccolo Machiavelli and W.E.B Du Bois. Carlyle (1795-1881), a Scottish historian emphasized the importance of heroism that required men to be subordinated to the commander of men (Wren, 1995 p.53). 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Today, about five hundred years later, the Machiavellian conceptRead MoreTo be loved or feared as a leader?1706 Words   |  7 PagesTracing this conundrum back to the sixteenth century takes us to the writings of Machiavelli. His political philosophy in The Prince acknowledges the best leaders to command both fear and love. Having said that, Machiavelli recognizes the opposite polarity of the two emotions and maintains that since it is difficult to combine both in one person, it is better to be feared as a leader than to be loved (Machiavelli, 2003, p.53). Today, about five hundred years later, the Machiavellian concept