Prompt:
Using your own words as much as possible, explain what Gandhi thinks is wrong
with modern, Western, European "civilization"?
Response:
Gandhi believes that modern Western or European civilization is deeply flawed
because it prioritizes material wealth, comfort, and technology over moral values,
self-control, and spiritual well-being. He argues that this way of life causes
poverty and suffering, especially for Indians living under British rule. To Gandhi,
true civilization should help people live moral and balanced lives—not just make
them richer or more powerful.
Gandhi sees modern civilization as dangerous because it teaches people to chase
after physical pleasures and wealth, instead of learning how to control their minds
and desires. He believes that this focus on material things leads to selfishness,
immorality, and the loss of deeper meaning in life. For him, a good civilization is one
that teaches people to follow the “path of duty,” which means living with discipline,
compassion, and a sense of responsibility.
He compares this with traditional Indian civilization, where people lived in small
villages that were self-sufficient and more in tune with nature and spiritual values.
Even though they didn’t have modern technology, they had systems of medicine and
justice that focused on real healing and conflict resolution. Gandhi admits that old
Indian traditions weren’t perfect—he opposes harmful customs like child marriage
and animal sacrifice—but he believes that these issues can be changed without
abandoning the strengths of traditional Indian life.
Importantly, Gandhi doesn’t reject all Western ideas. He believes that India should
adopt things like public education, healthcare, and human rights. But overall, he
thinks modern European civilization is unbalanced because it values power,
machines, and money more than people, community, and moral living. He believes
Using your own words as much as possible, explain what Gandhi thinks is wrong
with modern, Western, European "civilization"?
Response:
Gandhi believes that modern Western or European civilization is deeply flawed
because it prioritizes material wealth, comfort, and technology over moral values,
self-control, and spiritual well-being. He argues that this way of life causes
poverty and suffering, especially for Indians living under British rule. To Gandhi,
true civilization should help people live moral and balanced lives—not just make
them richer or more powerful.
Gandhi sees modern civilization as dangerous because it teaches people to chase
after physical pleasures and wealth, instead of learning how to control their minds
and desires. He believes that this focus on material things leads to selfishness,
immorality, and the loss of deeper meaning in life. For him, a good civilization is one
that teaches people to follow the “path of duty,” which means living with discipline,
compassion, and a sense of responsibility.
He compares this with traditional Indian civilization, where people lived in small
villages that were self-sufficient and more in tune with nature and spiritual values.
Even though they didn’t have modern technology, they had systems of medicine and
justice that focused on real healing and conflict resolution. Gandhi admits that old
Indian traditions weren’t perfect—he opposes harmful customs like child marriage
and animal sacrifice—but he believes that these issues can be changed without
abandoning the strengths of traditional Indian life.
Importantly, Gandhi doesn’t reject all Western ideas. He believes that India should
adopt things like public education, healthcare, and human rights. But overall, he
thinks modern European civilization is unbalanced because it values power,
machines, and money more than people, community, and moral living. He believes
