An Autobiography

The Story of My Experiments with Truth

By: Mohandas - Mahatma K. Gandhi

Narrated by: Bill Wallace

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall — think of it, always."
--Gandhi

In 1999, this book was designated as one of the "100 Most Important Spiritual Books of the Twentieth Century" by HarperCollins Publishers.

A holy man to Hindus, a hero to Muslims, and a criminal to the British, Mohandas K. Gandhi was an inspiring figure of the 20th century, a man whose quest to live in accord with God’s highest truth led him to initiate massive campaigns against racism, violence, and colonialism.

From his youthful rebellion against vegetarianism, to his successful law practice in South Africa, his struggle with his own sexual excesses, and his leadership of the movement to free India from British rule, Gandhi describes the story of his life as a series of spiritual “experiments” and explains how he developed his concept of active nonviolent resistance, which propelled the Indian struggle for independence and inspired countless other nonviolent struggles.

Public Domain (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Maybe a Biography would be better...

A good read, but lots that I didn't care about. I have more and less (moral) respect for Ghandi now that I've listened to it. He was bound to a a strict conscience without a doubt. I don't know that I would recommend this over any of the biographies written about him....

I learned a lot about Ghandi from this book. He wasnt really a religious figure, definitely interested in spirituality (as in, how to be in a life-giving state of being) but could not really spell out his Hindu beliefs until after he came in contact with a lot of evangelical Christians in South Africa (which was post-college, beginning his career). Those people drew him to begin to try to articulate his religion. He was most influenced by John Ruskins 'unto this last', Tolstoy's 'the kingdom of god is within you' and Jesus' sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). He could not accept the exclusivity of evangelical Christianity, but valued and even took part in many christian beliefs and practice especially when the result was love, joy, peace etc... Despite his Christian influences He read the Bhagavad Gita in a more devotional manner than he did the Bible or any other religious works.

He was really a principle driven lawyer. He had a strong conscience that he endeavors to be faithful to. There are countless times when doctors tell him to drink milk for his health, but he will not as he was different forms of vegan his whole life. A lot of the book is dedicated to describing court cases with which he was involved. He would not take any case which was false. One time he was tricked and recommended to the judge the case be dismissed.

This book is dedicated to his experiments with truth. Everything was an experiment to him, I like that mindset a lot, it is ok to fail. He experimented a lot, even with his own family. He spent a lot of time away from his wife and kids (his marriage was pre-arranged). And later decided he would seek bramacharrya aka celibacy.

I also enjoyed hearing him talk about various Eastern ways of thinking and his endorsement of smaller class sizes/customization of education...mostly 1 on 1!

In retrospect, Gandhi and his emphasis on celibacy and dedication to law and only mild connection to previous theological thinking reminds me a lot of Augustine. Obviously a little different on the specific religion angle, but If they get past their religions, I think they are buddies...maybe Gandhi is Augustine reincarnated. hah!

Journey of a Great soul..

“God can never be realised by one who is not pure of heart”
This book changed me..I don’t know how, but it invigorated in me curiosity to learn and improve myself to achieve the the true sense of being close to the nature(which I perceive as god)

Good read but voice actor not exactly appropriate

With all respect to Bill Wallace it is very confusing that the autobiography of one of the most important political and spiritual figures of the 20th century is read by a guy with the voice of a talk show host. Obviously the CIA is involved. Might as well let Gilbert Gottfried read the Bible. And I get it, there was no editor, but the talk about diet and milk was a bit much.

Awesome performance of story of the great man

Any additional comments?

I wanted to write this review particularly to state that the narration is top class at least for me. I loved Bill Wallace's narration. I agree his pronunciation of the names of Indian leaders/places could have been better, but one must acknowledge that he pours life in the story the great man wanted to tell. Bill tells it with awesome energy which enhances the beauty of the experiments with truth. His voice modulation and the way he captured emotions between the lines was so true to the story that I couldn't help but imagine that Gandhiji himself would have told the story the same way at certain times! Great job!

Insightful and Informative without being boring

From Gandhi's lips to my ears! Gandhi wrote this account in a manner that revealed some of his short comings and most of his accomplishments. I enjoyed the book but was at times a little lost regarding some of the events because Gandhi recounted them as if the reader were already familiar with them. He has always been one of my heros but here he reveals aspects of himself that were disappointing to me. In the final analysis he, like all heros, had his flaws and short comings as any human being does. He manages to show himself as conflicted at times, yet able to prevail in spite of that. Sometimes he shows himself to be stubborn and arrogant, yet at other times flexible and tollerant - If you have always admired Gandhi, be prepared to see him in the raw at times. Having said that, there were times when I had the feeling he was glossing over or slanting things in his favor. He was far more complex a person than I had imagined and this book shows it. Well worth the listen and a good historical account of the times.

Determination

The determination of one person and sticking to "personal" principles (vows) developed during youthful years.... Found this book motivational! (What can be accomplished in one life time with little concern for personal negative opposition or living comfortably; at times). I recommend this book if you like strong minded persons with many details!

ok but not great

very interesting in his efforts on hie earlier years. misses his most significant efforts

Best Autobiography I have ever read

If you could sum up An Autobiography in three words, what would they be?

This is the best autobiography I have ever read. I hope a person of like this would born in Syria, Iraq or Palestine/Israel who could really bring in radical change in the mind sets of people. I know it is only a dream.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gandhi because of his simplicity and love for truth.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Same "My experiments with Truth"

Any additional comments?

Wonderful book. I couldn't do any thing until I completely listed to this book.

Performance and delivery

Delivery
The story or real life of Ghandi and how he devoted his life to public service is interesting.
The narrator should have done a little research about the pronunciation of the names and places mentioned in the text, he totally butchered the names e.g (Ferozeshah Metha) is not fero zeshah Mehta, it is Feroze--Shah Metha, there are multiple incidents bad pronunciation, it becomes irritating.

Narrator is not good at all

The narrator was good with the English words however struggled with the actual pronunciation Indian names of people and places