Which famous book of Tolstoy influenced the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi?
Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian writer and philosopher, best known for his novels like “War and Peace.” Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) was an Indian leader and activist who led India to independence through nonviolent civil disobedience. Gandhi was deeply influenced by Tolstoy’s ideas, particularly on nonviolent resistance.
Share
The book by Leo Tolstoy that significantly influenced the thoughts and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi is “The Kingdom of God Is Within You.” This book, written by Tolstoy and published in 1894, presents Tolstoy’s interpretation of Christianity and advocates for nonviolent resistance to evil. Gandhi, who was deeply influenced by the ideas of nonviolence and passive resistance, found inspiration in Tolstoy’s work. “The Kingdom of God Is Within You” played a crucial role in shaping Gandhi’s understanding of nonviolent civil disobedience, which he later implemented in his leadership of the Indian independence movement.