The Gandhi Influence on Me opus 749
| 19 January 2026 1100 Hours | | Philosophy, Behavior, History, Politics |
On my way home to California (about 1977),
I stopped in New Delhi, India, to view Gandhi's death bed.
He was assassinated on the grounds of Birla House
(Museum of Gandhi Smriti),
Now a national shrine for the nation.
I had already read many of Gandhi's writings.
The simple, small room where he died
Was stark for the world's loss of a true humanitarian.
I lingered there, quietly for a long period of time.
I believe that experience remained with me personally,
Goading my thoughts to act during the Civil Rights era;
As well, and more profoundly, during Vietnam,
After much agonizing, I declared myself a Pacifist.
As a child, I retreated from or even ran away from conflict,
And now, as an adult, I have always sought out negotiation.