I listened to parts of the audiobook and physically read this book.
The audio was narrated by a person whose English was a second language and had a strong Indian accent. It made the book feel more connected to the author because of that. Note: if you have difficulty with comprehension when learning from people with accents you might not like the audio book.
Something to keep in mind is that this book is an autobiography written by a person in prison, seeking to tell his story to the people he is fighting for their freedom. I needed the audiobook because often the words were foreign to me and hard to read or comprehend.
In the beginning of the book I looked up the meaning of some words because I don’t know much about the caste system and it is referenced often, like explaining why he was married off at age 13. He had his first child at 17.
Brief Summary:
Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was a pivotal figure in India’s struggle for independence from British rule. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance, known as Satyagraha, inspired movements for civil rights and social change across the globe.
Gandhi’s leadership led to India’s independence in 1947, but his life was tragically cut short by an assassin’s bullet the following year. Despite his death, Gandhi’s teachings on peace, justice, and equality continue to resonate, making him an enduring symbol of hope and inspiration for people worldwide. (thank you AI)
He was not a stellar student:
When he is young he is not a great student in school. He is extremely shy and avoids conflict at all costs. His key values of truth and fighting for injustices show up early.
I think many people with neurodiversities from ADHD to autism can relate to this being a part of their background. Having a strong passion and singular focus is not uncommon.
Recalibrates after first college try:
Once he is in college and fails out the first time, he regroups and decides he needs to go bigger with his dreams and makes it happen to study in London.
He has to ask for money, he has to take a boat. There was nothing easy about it. Part of his family disowns him and he has to promise to not eat meat, drink alcohol, and to not do anything to that would dishonor his family. This is all around 1886.
It is very common that different thinkers will restart their college education a couple of times before they complete it. Sometimes changing their focus a few times and other times, just staying very narrowly focused on one major goal. For him the goal was to become a lawyer.
He learns to overcome his extreme shyness by taking a speaking class and pushes though the fear. I related to this and know so many of my different thinker clients can too. When they want something and the only way towards it is through something really scary, they will find a way.
First peaceful protest:
While in London, the dock workers protest and he gets interested in that process and believes in their cause and participates in his first peaceful protest.
Why do you think so many leaders and entrepreneurs are neurodiverse? I will give you a hint, they are passionate as heck about their values and they will stand firm for them and for others.
Communication on the goal of freedom and peace:
Gandhi’s entire life is focused on two key things; freedom from British rule and peace for the people of India. Because his focus is so clear, he is able to communicate that over the decades. The people involved change, the players change. He is imprisoned on a regular basis and he doesn’t give up.
Perseverance:
Like so many people with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, Gandhi is relentless and he perseverance. Because of his efforts along with others, India gained it’s freedom from Britain. He used his communication skills, peaceful protests, and hunger strikes to keep people focused on the goal and engaged.
Leadership:
Shy introverts can be great leaders.
Being shy and having a more introverted personality can be associated with autism. Too often people with these personality traits can feel like they aren’t qualified to be a good leader.
Gandhi demonstrates that isn’t true and he gives a map for those seeking to grow in this area.
Final Thoughts:
I enjoyed the lessons, insight and motivation reading about Gandhi brought to my life. He believed in his cause and he knew that his success was the success for all of his country people.
My summarization of the book is simple. You might enjoy a movie on Gandhi more than reading this thick book. I think I would have gained more and remembered more. I know that about my learning style. I do highly recommend that you learn a little about this person.
One trait that can show up in the neurodiversity list is acting on passionate views about perceived injustices to others. Gandhi had that trait and I celebrate that he used it so well to help so many.
Here’s to the people that fight for the underdog and seek to change the world and make it better for all.
Have a great day and enjoy learning something new soon.
JoyGenea
Transcription:
Book review of this: Gandhi’s autobiography. Who is a world-changing individual, if you do not know that. So today, I’m sharing with you some of my thoughts and perspectives about Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography.
I’ve listened to parts of the autobiography. I have physically read parts of the book. The autobiography on audio was narrated by somebody whose language, um, is—English isn’t his first language—so it had a great Indian accent. Honestly, I enjoyed that. It connected me to the, I felt, to the culture and the experience and gave a little more authenticity. If you struggle with accents, that type of audiobook may not be nearly as enjoyable, so, FYI.
Now, this book was written as an autobiography by Gandhi himself while he was imprisoned, which happened quite a few times, to share this story with the people he was fighting for. And because of that fact, it is—I felt it was—a bit of a dense read, and having it on the audio helped, particularly with some of the complexity in the language and some of the concepts. And early on, I—I needed to do a decent amount of Googling, um, to understand the caste system, which he references quite often. Just an understanding that he was married at age 13 and had his first child at 17—not something, as a Midwesterner, I know.
So, Gandhi, if you did not know—I’m going to do a quick story recap—was a pivotal figure in India’s independence movement. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance inspired civil rights movements worldwide. He led India to freedom in 1947 but was tragically assassinated the following year. Yet, his teachings on peace, justice, and equality continue to inspire today.
Now, let’s get into some of the things in the story that I thought we, neurodiverse, might relate to. And I do talk about this below in my article and blog, if you’re on that. If not, you can go over and read more about it. This is just a recap.
So, what struck me as really interesting is, early on, um, he is not a stellar student. He is immensely quiet. He will avoid conflict at all levels. But his core values of truth and the fight for injustice—those show up right away, which I think a lot of neurodiverse people and individuals can relate to, especially those with ADHD, autism—an intense passion and a singular focus—common traits for that group.
After failing his first attempt at college—not uncommon for neurodiverse—Gandhi didn’t give up. He recalibrated, set his sights on studying in London, and made it happen. Think about that—asking for money, taking a boat, dealing with family disapproval. He even had to promise not to eat meat, drink alcohol, or do anything that would dishonor his family, and still, some of them disowned him before he even got on the ship for London. So, this is around 1886. It just goes to show that it’s okay to take a few tries to find your path.
And that, no, his goal was to become a lawyer, and boy, was he determined. He was going to make it happen. He even overcame his extreme shyness by taking a public speaking class—one of the first things he did in college. I really connected with that. So many of my neurodiverse clients face similar challenges. But when you’re driven by something, when you are passionate, you will find a way. And I watch it all the time.
In London, he also participated in his first peaceful protest, which—with dock workers—and that really sparked that part of him. It makes you wonder why so many leaders and entrepreneurs are neurodiverse. I think it’s because they’re incredibly passionate about their values and are willing to stand up for those values and for others. I see it time and time again. They make incredible leaders.
So, passion and leadership—Gandhi’s life was centered on two big goals: freedom from British rule and peace for India. His clear focus allowed him to communicate these goals consistently and for decades. He faced imprisonment, but he never gave up.
Like many with ADHD, dyslexia, or autism, Gandhi was relentless. He used his commun—communication skills for—and peaceful protests, and even hunger strikes, to keep people engaged and focused on the main goal of freedom.
And it proves that shy introverts can be great leaders. Gandhi’s example is a powerful reminder that introvertism and shyness don’t disqualify you from leadership. He provides a road map for others seeking to grow in this area.
Overall, reading about Gandhi was inspiring and motivating. He believed in his cause, knowing that his success was tied—that his success was tied—to the success of his people.
If you’re not up for a long book, there’s a great movie about Gandhi or two that might be more your style. But I highly recommend you learn a little bit more about him in some way. It will be beneficial for you, especially if you’re a leader.
One trait often seen in neurodiverse individuals is a passionate response to injustice. You can Google that and learn some more about it, but it is common. Gandhi possessed that trait, and he used it to an incredible effect.
So, here’s to those who fight for the underdog and strive to make the world a better place for everyone.
Thanks for watching, and have an outstanding and awesome day.
I am JoyGenea Schumer—International Neurodiversity Success Coach, Speaker, and Change Maker.
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