The Story of My Experiments with Truth Society and Class Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

In the opinion of the caste, your proposal to go to England is not proper. Our religion forbids voyages abroad. We have also heard that it is not possible to live there without compromising our religion. One is obliged to eat and drink with Europeans! (1.12.4)

Early in life, Gandhi attracted the anger of others for what he sought to do. So, in a way, his later provocations of the authorities were nothing new for him.

Quote #2

"But will you disregard the orders of the caste?"

"I am really helpless. I think the caste should not interfere in the matter."

This incensed the Sheth. He swore at me. I sat unmoved. So the Sheth pronounced his order: "This boy shall be treated as an outcaste from today. Whoever helps him or goes to see him off at the dock shall be punishable with a fine of one rupee four annas." (1.12.8-10)

Gandhi gets kicked out of his caste when he insists on going to England. This is sort of like moving out of your parents' house even when they want you to live at home.

Quote #3

Thus if I could not accept Christianity either as a perfect, or the greatest religion, neither was I then convinced of Hinduism being such. Hindu defects were pressingly visible to me. If untouchability could be a part of Hinduism, it could but be a rotten part or an excrescence. I could not understand the raison d'etre of a multitude of sects and castes. (2.15.9)

Raison d'etre is a French phrase meaning "reason or justification for existing." So, Mr. G. is saying he doesn't get the point of the caste system, which causes division.