Gandhi's Self-Perception

Mahatma Gandhi described his political and social philosophy using specific terms that reflected his unique worldview. He identified himself with a concept closely related to anarchism, but with important distinctions.

Key Self-Description

• Philosophical Anarchist: Gandhi identified with this term. He believed that the state (government) was inherently harmful and unnecessary. His vision was one of a stateless society based on voluntary cooperation, non-violence (Ahimsa), and decentralization of power. He distinguished his view from traditional anarchism by its strict adherence to non-violent means and emphasis on individual moral responsibility.

His philosophy rejected the use of force and coercion, central tenets of traditional anarchism. Instead, he focused on self-rule (Swaraj) achieved through non-violent civil disobedience (Satyagraha).