Mohandas Gandhi: A Moral/Economic Progress Essay

In Mohandas Gandhis speech Economic and Moral continue emphasis is placed on distinguishing the difference betwixt economic and clean-living age. From Gandhis experience and studies he recognizes that economic and moral hand are often opposing and interchangeable. Gandhi states that he knows little of economics but was much that happy to speak on the topic beca determination of his strong impression in the importance of moral progress over economic progress. Gandhi relies primarily on religious text coupled with all three rhetoric devices to make up his argument. Gandhi quotes the bible in saying Take no thought for the morrow heart one should seek morality over material advantage, an idea popular in almost all the religious scriptures in the world(Gandhi 334) and it is this genuinely idea with which Gandhi argues. Gandhi views economic progress and moral progress as two singular properties.Gandhi makes the assumption at the beginning of his speech that economic progress refers to ones materialistic wealthiness while moral progress refers to real progress (Gandhi 334) Gandhi introduces his idea of what defines moral progress by request Does non moral progress increase in the same ratio as material progress? (Gandhi 334) In this question Gandhi is examining the relationship between economic and moral progress. Gandhi states that it is popular belief that material progress does non clash with moral progress, so it must(prenominal) necessarily salary increase the latter. Gandhi exemplifies this popular idea and applies it to the case of thirty millions of India stated by the ripe Sir William Wilson Hunter to be living on one meal a day this case built on the idea that before attendance to ones moral welfare their daily needs must first be satisfied.Gandhi continues on state how absurd this idea it is, it is his belief that every human has the right to life, food, clothing and shelter but to produce these things we need no assistance from econo mists(Gandhi 334) It is Gandhis belief that the test of social club in a country is not the number of millionaires it owns, but the absence seizure of starvation among its masses. Gandhis argument relies heavily on his use of ethos in quoting religious texts as well as historical figures. It is Gandhis idea that economic progress does not necessarily clash or assist in moral progress, but rather acts a vehicle, which holds the incident for either outcome. Gandhi illustrates the potential for economic progression leading to moral evolution when he recalls his time in southward Africa. Gandhi had observed that thepeople of South Africa believed that the gravider possession of riches, the greater was their moral turpitude(Gandhi 335) meaning that the social norms frowned upon living in excess and not sharing wealth.Though in contrast, Gandhi exemplifies economic progress leading to moral decay when he addresses the castigate and fall of Rome, Egypt and even the Hindu deity Krishn a, with them material contact has not necessarily meant moral gain(Gandhi 335) Gandhi is not opposing the pursuit of wealth, but the pursuit of wealth for material advantage. Gandhi applies pathos to religious ideals, evident when he describes what he believes to be symbolic of material progress, he states It is not workable to conceive gods inhabiting a land which is made hideous by the flock and the din of mill chimneys and factories and whose roadways are traversed by rushing engines dragging numerous cars crowded with men who know not what they are after(Gandhi 337) Gandhis vivid imagery successfully conveys his idea that material wealth has adulterate the values of society and stunted moral progression.Gandhis speech is strongly driven by his use of ethics and emotion, but his speech withal assemblages to the logical mind. Gandhis use of logos is evident during his quotation of the great scientist(Gandhi 337) Alfred Wallace. Wallace, a British naturalist states that his country has put power and wealth before nature and Christianity and describes how as the country has rapidly advanced in riches, it has gone down in morality(Wallace 338) Gandhis speech is largely based on the idea that society today upholds a misrepresent set of values, placing emphasis on material advantage and economic gain over moral growth and progress. Gandhis use of rhetoric devices appeal to a diverse audience using logic, ethics and emotion to attest that moral progress trumps economic progress.