Tolstoy’s Influence on Gandhi: A Legacy of Nonviolent Resistance
Leo Tolstoy, the renowned Russian author of literary classics such as War and Peace and Anna Karenina, might not seem an obvious figure to influence one of the most iconic leaders of Indian non-violent resistance against the British, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. However, their intellectual exchange and shared commitment to moral principles shaped Gandhi’s philosophy in profound ways, leaving a lasting impact on the world’s understanding of civil disobedience and peaceful protest.
Understanding Tolstoy’s Influence
Tolstoy’s influence on Gandhi stemmed from his moral and philosophical writings, particularly his treatise “The Kingdom of God Is Within You.” In this work, Tolstoy espoused the idea of non-violent resistance as a means of confronting injustice and oppression. He argued that true Christian morality necessitated rejecting violence and coercion in all its forms, advocating instead for passive resistance rooted in individual conscience. Gandhi was inspired by Tolstoy’s exploration of Christian teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, and incorporated elements of Tolstoy’s spiritual beliefs into his own philosophy of life and action.
Gandhi’s Journey to Satyagraha
For Gandhi, Tolstoy’s ideas provided a moral framework for his own activism. The concept of Satyagraha, or “truth-force,” became central to Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent resistance. Inspired by Tolstoy’s writings, Gandhi adopted Satyagraha as a method for confronting injustice through peaceful protest, civil disobedience, and moral persuasion.
Tolstoy’s advocacy for a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle also resonated with Gandhi’s principles of voluntary simplicity and self-reliance, influencing Gandhi’s commitment to living a life of integrity and moral clarity. This is also reflected in Gandhi’s viewpoint on economic resource allocation where he advocates for self-sufficient villages.
Secondly, the advocacy for simple living is reflected in Gandhi’s own simple attire, his ashrams (communal living spaces) focused on manual labor, and his promotion of self-reliance among the oppressed. Tolstoy believed in the importance of manual labor (“bread labor”) for a meaningful life. Gandhi incorporated this principle into the ashram way of life, requiring residents to perform manual tasks like spinning and weaving.
Correspondence and Intellectual Exchange
The relationship between Tolstoy and Gandhi was not merely one of distant admiration. They engaged in a meaningful correspondence, exchanging letters in which they discussed their shared commitment to truth and nonviolence. Through their intellectual exchange, Gandhi deepened his understanding of nonviolent resistance and its practical application in challenging social and political systems. In the course of their correspondence during 1909–1910, Gandhi solicited permission to redistribute Tolstoy’s writings among Indians, and Tolstoy in turn was pleased that his ideas were being put into practice.
Tolstoian Legacy in Action
Gandhi’s application of Tolstoian principles had a profound impact on India’s struggle for independence. The Salt March of 1930, modeled after Tolstoy’s philosophy of civil disobedience, exemplified Gandhi’s commitment to non-violent resistance as a means of challenging British colonial rule. The movement inspired millions and paved the way for India’s eventual independence.
Contemporary Relevance
The legacy of Tolstoy’s influence on Gandhi extends far beyond the Indian independence movement. In today’s world, where social injustice and systemic oppression persist, the principles of non-violent resistance remain as relevant as ever. Movements such as Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion draw inspiration from Gandhi’s Satyagraha, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Tolstoy’s ideas in confronting contemporary challenges.
The impact of Leo Tolstoy on Mahatma Gandhi cannot be overstated. Despite specific Indian challenges, Gandhi recognized the need to adapt and contextualize Tolstoy’s ideas within the Indian context. His implementation of nonviolent resistance differed from Tolstoy’s theoretical framework in significant ways, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities of the Indian independence struggle. Through their intellectual exchange and shared commitment to moral principles, Tolstoy’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance became a guiding force in Gandhi’s quest for justice and equality. Their legacy lives on in the countless individuals and movements around the world who continue to uphold the principles of truth, nonviolence, and moral courage in the face of injustice. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, Tolstoy and Gandhi’s vision of nonviolent resistance serves as a timeless reminder of the power of moral conscience to effect meaningful change.
