Page:The Great Trial of Mahatma Gandhi.pdf/7



It bas been said of Socrates that, “that which is unparalleled in him is that he is unlike and above comparison with all other men, whether those who have lived in ancient times, or those who exist now.” These remarks can very well be applied to Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest living personality in the world to day and certainly one of the most prominent characters in the world’s history. Few persons have been able, as he has been, to cut down their bodily wants to such an amazing extent. None have succeeded, as he has done, in following truth with such absolute devotion. Rarely do we witness, as we do in him, such an embodiment of love and sacrifice. An uncompromising opponent of Western civilization, and an ardent devotee of Ahimsa, he preached and strived to re-construct human society on the basis of truth and non-violence. It is this rare combination of the teacher, the patriot and the Saint that made him occupy such commanding height among his fellowmen and made his