Introduction
John Ruskin, a 19th-century English writer, art critic, and social thinker, had a significant influence on Mahatma Gandhi’s economic philosophy. One of Ruskin’s books, “Unto This Last,” deeply impacted Gandhi and helped shape his ideas on simplicity, labor, and the dignity of work. In this post, we’ll explore the key elements of John Ruskin’s thought and how they were adopted and transformed into what we now call Gandhian economic philosophy.
Who Was John Ruskin?
John Ruskin was a critic of the industrial capitalist economy. He believed that the growing materialism and mechanization of society were harming human values, creativity, and relationships. In his book “Unto This Last” (1860), Ruskin presented a critique of modern economics and proposed a more humane and ethical approach to work and wealth.
Ruskin’s Core Ideas in “Unto This Last”
Three ideas in particular stood out to Gandhi:
- The Good of the Individual is Contained in the Good of All: A society should not focus on profits for a few but on the well-being of all its members.
- The Dignity of Labor: Every kind of honest work, including manual labor, deserves respect. There is no shame in working with one’s hands.
- A Life of Simplicity: Material wealth does not lead to happiness. True wealth lies in ethical living, simplicity, and self-restraint.
Impact on Gandhi
Gandhi read “Unto This Last” during a train journey in South Africa. He was so moved that he translated it into Gujarati as Sarvodaya, meaning “Welfare of All.” He considered it one of the books that changed his life.
Ruskin’s influence can be seen in Gandhi’s core economic beliefs:
- Self-Sufficiency: Villages should be self-reliant and not depend on big industries.
- Khadi Movement: Gandhi promoted hand-spinning and the use of khadi cloth as a way to empower rural artisans and promote dignity in labor.
- Rejection of Industrial Capitalism: Like Ruskin, Gandhi criticized large-scale industrialization for dehumanizing workers and promoting greed.
Gandhian Economic Thought: A Summary
Based on Ruskin’s ideas and his own experiences, Gandhi developed a unique economic philosophy:
- Economy of Need: Production should meet human needs, not create unnecessary desires.
- Small is Beautiful: Gandhi preferred small-scale, local production over large factories.
- Trusteeship: Wealthy individuals should act as trustees, using their wealth for the good of society.
- Human-Centric Economy: The goal of economics is not profit, but human well-being.
Legacy and Relevance
Even today, Gandhian economic thought is considered relevant in the context of sustainable development, local economies, and social justice. Movements supporting local farming, handloom, and ethical consumption reflect the values first shaped by Ruskin and adopted by Gandhi.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Ruskin’s ideas were a major source of inspiration for Gandhi’s economic thinking. Through the book “Unto This Last,” Gandhi found a moral and ethical foundation for building a society based on compassion, dignity of labor, and simple living. Ruskin’s influence helped Gandhi create an economic model that was not just about wealth, but about human values, equality, and the welfare of all.