Life — December 1931 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Commentary on Gandhi and British Rule This page is a political-historical essay (not a cartoon) discussing Mohandas Gandhi's character and independence movement. The author presents a critical perspective on Gandhi, describing him as physically unattractive ("one of the uglest men") but intellectually formidable. The text covers Gandhi's opposition to British rule—his advocacy for boycotts, passive resistance, and non-payment of taxes—which the author views as insincere, arguing Gandhi's real grievance was lack of recognition for Indian officers in the British military. The piece mocks Gandhi's ascetic practices (spinning wheel, simple diet) as performative "sanctity" and includes a dismissive anecdote about his costume ("plus fours" vs. "minus fours"). It expresses skepticism that Gandhi would genuinely support Indian independence if Britain made concessions.