When Gandhi was studying Law at the University College of London, a white professor whose last name was Wilson disliked him intensely and always displayed prejudice and animosity towards him.
Also, because Gandhi never lowered his head when addressing him as he expected, there was always 'arguments' and confrontations.
One day, Professor Wilson was having lunch at the dining room of the University, and Gandhi came along with his tray and sat next to the professor. The professor said, "Mr Gandhi, you do not understand. A pig and a bird do not sit together to eat". Gandhi looked at him as a parent would to a rude child and calmly replied, "Do not worry professor, I'll fly away", and he went and sat at another table.
Professor Wilson reddened with rage, decided to take revenge on the next test paper, but Gandhi responded brilliantly to all questions. Professor Wilson unhappy and frustrated asked him the following question, 'Mr Gandhi, if you were walking down the street, found a package and within one was wisdom and another a bag with a lot of money, which would you take?"
Without hesitating, Gandhi responded..."the one with the money of course". Professor Wilson smiling sarcastically said, 'I in your place would have taken wisdom, don't you think?' Gandhi shrugged indifferently and responded, " Each one takes what he doesn't have".
Professor Wilson, by this time was boiling. So great was his anger that he wrote on Gandhi's exam sheet the word "Idiot" and gave it to Gandhi. Gandhi took the exam sheet and sat down at his desk trying to remain calm while he contemplated his next move.
A few minutes later, Gandhi got up, went to the professor and said to him in a dignified but sarcastically polite tone, "Professor Wilson, you signed the sheet, but you did not give me the marks!!!"
When I read this piece, it actually made me laugh. The last paragraph reminded me of the just concluded 2015 presidential election (JEGAquine) and sadly a lot of us can be likened to Professor Wilson. In fact Hatred destroys the person hating more than the hated. If we learn to understand and accept our neighbors for who they are, the world will be a better place. It takes a lot of energy to hate someone, so lets try and channel that energy into something positive.
A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. Ask yourself, does the average Englishman consider the average Indian to be his equal even today in 2015? This isn't about love and hate. It's about accomplishment, respect and being able to defend your honor.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant tale, real insightful too!
ReplyDeleteA brilliant illustration of the difference b/w education and wisdom/intelligence. Gandhi went to University to acquire knowledge (law) and not wisdom. Intelligence comes naturally, which he already had.
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