Gandhi's Critique on Modern Development

Gandhi One of the tenets of modernism is that politics exists in a separate sphere from daily life (Godrej, 2006). Gandhi did not believe that keeping politics separate was in any way productive. Daily life needs to be infused with politics in order to create an ideal democracy in which all the people are empowered. Therefore, one of the main reasons Gandhi did not trust modernization is that modernization represented fragmentation. Gandhi's political philosophy was rooted in Gandhi's spiritual philosophy, and his spiritual philosophy was one of unity.

Gandhi attempted to show why politics and the life of common people are one and the same. Another reason why Gandhi did not trust modernization was that modernization was about individualism. The "each man to himself" policy might work in the West, but not in India. Individualism leads to selfishness and isolation. Gandhi believed in creating a society based on togetherness and communal ideals. Moreover, as Godrej (2006) points out, Gandhi promoted the ancient Indian idea of ahimsa. Ahimsa is a worldview of not harming other beings, or causing no harm.

It is impossible to live in a world that is individualist without causing harm. People who make decisions for selfish reasons will inevitably hurt others. This goes against Gandhi's core philosophies. Modernization also represents technological advancements that are occasionally harmful. Even when technological advances are beneficial, they should be used wisely. People cannot become slaves to technology without losing their soul or their connection with the human race. Gandhi would have especially disliked the way people use their smartphones and Internet.

People have become absorbed into their own individual worlds rather than connected with their loved ones and neighbors. When it comes to technology, medicine, and the law, not all advancements can be considered harmful. In fact, Gandhi would note that many developments have helped people. Technology can be used to save lives, increase food production, and make lives more comfortable. Yet not all people have equal access to technology. It is important to ensure equitable wealth distribution to fulfill the basic principles of Gandhi's philosophy.

Likewise, medicine has made great progress in the ability to heal people and prevent serious injury or death. Yet not all people have equal access to health care services. Therefore, it is not modernization that is the problem but social justice. Gandhi's efforts were for social justice. Gandhi's his mistrust of modern technology and development was only because he was concerned about equity. Advancements to the legal system have generally progressed in the direction of human freedom.

Even Gandhi would acknowledge that the purpose of civil disobedience was to create deep and lasting change. Deep and lasting change can only come from changing the law. The laws that do not protect the people, or laws that directly harm people, need to be overthrown by new laws that protect people. However, as Godrej (2006) notes, Gandhi believed that the most.