Becoming Gandhi

My Experiment Living the Mahatma’s 6 Moral Truths in Immoral Times

The fascinating and timely quest of a longtime New York Times contributor to follow Mahatma Gandhi’s code of ethics in today’s world

Mahatma Gandhi championed truth and nonviolence, led the struggle for India’s independence, and staunchly stood up for the marginalized. “When I despair,” he said, “I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won.” To many he was a beacon of hope, a true moral compass; to others, a divisive lightning rod for controversy.

In Becoming Gandhi, veteran journalist and author Perry Garfinkel sets out on a three-year quest to examine how Gandhi’s ideals have held up in a world beset with troubling trends. In one chilling admission, one of Gandhi’s own grandsons tells Garfinkel that humans will always retain a degree of violence. Where does this leave modern society?

Garfinkel takes to heart one of Gandhi’s most famous sayings—“Be the change you want to see in the world”—and attempts a personal transformation. Committing to practice the Mahatma’s six main principles—truth, nonviolence, vegetarianism, simplicity, faith, and celibacy—he seeks to better himself, facing successes and failures that at times lead to self-effacing humor. He traces Gandhi’s footsteps from India to England to South Africa and even American communities where Gandhi’s spirit endures.

Featuring inspiring interviews, provocative reflections, and remarkable encounters, Becoming Gandhi reveals a new view of this pivotal figure and why his teachings are needed like never before.