How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
But the work set me furiously thinking in the direction of self-control, and according to my wont I discussed my thoughts with my co-workers. It became my conviction that procreation and the consequent care of children were inconsistent with public service. I had to break up my household at Johannesburg to be able to serve during the "Rebellion." Within one month of offering my services, I had to give up the house I had so carefully furnished. I took my wife and children to Phoenix and led the Indian ambulance corps attached to the Natal forces. During the difficult marches that had then to be performed, the idea flashed upon me that if I wanted to devote myself to the service of the community in this manner, I must relinquish the desire for children and wealth and live the life of a vanaprastha—of one retired from household cares. (3.7.5)
Gandhi says procreation and public service don't mix. Raising children takes up a lot of an adult's time that might otherwise be spent on the community. But, what insights might parenting give an activist? Or, might humanity itself be considered the child of someone who gives up procreation in favor of public work?
Quote #8
It was clear that a new word must be coined by the Indians to designate their struggle. [...]
Maganlal Gandhi coined the word "Sadagraha" (Sat = truth, Agraha = firmness) and won the prize. But in order to make it clearer I changed the word to "Satyagraha" which has since become current in Gujarati as a designation for the struggle. (4.26.1-2)
Satyagraha is sometimes translated as "truth force" or "soul force." The latter phrase was used by Martin Luther King, Jr. in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, alluding to Gandhi.
Quote #9
"I ask one thing of you. I would like you to come and see me whenever you propose to take any steps concerning Government."
I replied:
"I can very easily give the promise, inasmuch as it is my rule, as a Satyagrahi, to understand the viewpoint of the party I propose to deal with, and try to agree with him as far as may be possible. I strictly observed the rule in South Africa and I mean to do the same here." (5.2.2-4)
Gandhi believes it's wise, when pursuing justice, to meet with your opponents and understand their point of view. Is this something activists try to do today?