Page:Fischer - A Week with Gandhi.pdf/104

 have come to the conclusion, tentatively, that the chief reason for that influence is Gandhi’s passion.”

“That is right,” Desai said.

“What is the root of his passion?” I asked.

“This passion,” Desai explained, “is the sublimation of all the passions that flesh is heir to.”

“Sex?”

“Sex and anger and personal ambition. Gandhi can admit that he is wrong. He can chastise himself and take the blame for the mistakes of others, as when he called off a civil disobedience movement because it became violent. Gandhi is under his own complete control. That generates tremendous energy and passion within him.”

I have an impression that these Indians are much more honest than Westerners. They talk more honestly about themselves. They are more self-analytical and self-critical.