Essay On Gandhi's View On American Civilization

In contrast to the Europeans, Gandhi's perspective on the modern concept of civilization is not of one of endearment, but rather he believes in the presence of a negative correlation between the progression of society, and the preservation of moral and cultural values. For instance, he starts by explaining that the primary purpose behind civilization is to further promote "bodily welfare [as] the object of life" (Gandhi 1). This description is hinting at the transformation that has occurred in society going from a people-centered community to a materialistic one. In addition, Gandhi continues by noting how members in upper-class parts of society exploit the poorer working class for the sake of monetary gain. For example, he says that "[now] they are enslaved by temptation of money and of the luxuries that money can buy" (Gandhi 1). This quote depicts the corruption

In conclusion, according to Gandhi, no one can possibly profit from the adoption of the English lifestyle.

Furthermore, he then turns the typical European identification ideology against them, the British in particular, by mentioning reasons why modernity, or at least their desire for it, will ultimately lead to their own demise. Throughout the entire chapter, Gandhi explains to the reader how the technological, intellectual, and economic advancements of the West may seem like it has a positive impact at first glance, but instead is causing them great harm. For example, such advancements are creating a mindset of laziness, greed, and prejudice amongst the Europeans. For this reason, he later refers it as a "Satanic Civilization" that "is eating into the vitals of the English nation. It must shunned" (Gandhi 1). As exhibited in the quote, just as the Europeans used foreign people's primitive culture to claim their superiority, Gandhi, who sees the progression of their civilization more a regression of culture and moral values, uses this against them. In