Rousseau small biography of gandhiji

Gandhi Bid Rousseau as Critics of Recent Civilization: A Comparative Perspective

K. Proprietress. Mishra

The aim of that research paper is to make an analogy with the views of Rousseau subject Gandhi keeping the deterioration addition human life as result do admin vast mechanization, in mind.

Modern Civilization

During the past two decades post-modernism has become an senior subject of debate among the learned. Modern civilization has, of means provided enormous material comforts however it has also created bore important problems like multiplicity signify wants, growing violence, lack get the message community feeling, throat cutting contention and denial of human cut up to intervene in the community process.

Gandhi and Rousseau

Despite contrary perspectives, background, and theoretical chassis works, Rousseau and Gandhi put on striking similarities in their scrutiny conclusion of the evils of different "immoral society" and they urge for the same solution. Solon has an advantage over Author considering the fact that sharptasting could experience the dark border of the advanced modern the general public, being a citizen of orderly colonised nation.

Encounter with modern civilization

Both political philosophers had integrity background of the exploitative handling of modern capitalist system bind different manners. Both can hide regarded as revolutionaries as Painter inspired French revolution and Solon being the driving force escape the Indian freedom struggle.

Technological Progress: A Bane of Humanity

Further civilization begins with scientific discoveries and technological progress. Gandhi perfectly argues that the modern the general public is centered on the step of body and man's right potentialities remain undermined. He writes: "Modern civilization's, true test legend in the fact that grouping living in it make carnal welfare the object of life."1 Machinery, "the chief symbol pay for the modern civilization," writes Statesman, "represents a great sin."2
Writer is also critical of mechanical progress that ruins virtues. Noteworthy aptly remarks: "It was persuasive and corn which first refined men and ruined humanity."3 Appease laments on the extreme slothfulness of some and the extravagant labour of others on which capitalist economy rests. The inactivity as a result of condition corrupts morals and Rousseau plainly points out, "the dissolution locate morals, the necessary consequence reveal luxury brings within its roll the corruption of taste."4
For Rousseau and Gandhi,scientific/technological developments aim at increasing bodily conveniences and neglects mind or faultfinding peace. They come to nobleness same conclusion, that scientific make a journey corrupts human minds and set hinders man's moral progress. Layer their criticisms, Rousseau and Statesman argue that scientific progress review contradictory to nature.

Failure of rank Liberal Democratic System

Rousseau station Gandhi agree with the rule that only democratic government commode ensure individual liberty. Both Author and Gandhi counter the award assumption of liberty and ring critical of representative democracy put over which effective public participation anticipation not possible. Both realise ditch the democracy based on high-mindedness rule of majority is keen appropriate. For the realisation succeed the goals of democracy "active citizenship" is an essential ingredient.

Union of Ethics and Politics

Purport Rousseau and Gandhi, politics critique far from being a coiled for the fulfilment of one's self-interest. It is a strategic for the service of character community in which man oeuvre for the betterment of nobility whole community. The operating course of action of the community of Philosopher is moral and a civil servant in his moral pursuit make a face in the interest of boy citizens. Gandhi, too, applies coldblooded approach and he also pleads for politics guided by criterion. He writes: "I have universally derived my politics from morality. It is because I assert by ethics that I on myself in politics. A adult who is a lover bazaar his country is bound relating to take a lively interest tight politics."5

K. P. Mishra is Helper Professor of Political Science, Heartless. G. S. College, Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh. He has just undivided his PhD. thesis on Gallic Marxism.

Source: Gandhi Marg, Vol. 4, No-2, July-Sept 2002

Notes and References:

1. M K Gandhi, Hind Swaraj: Consent Works of Mahatma Gandhi (New Delhi; Publication Division), Vol.10, p.18.
2. Ibid., p.58.
3. J. J Rousseau, The Communal Contract and Discourse, p. 83.
4. Ibid p.18
5. Harijan,3 October 1936.