Every week, we feature excerpts by Gandhi that lend insight into his values and personal practices.

Here is one of the last notes left behind by him in 1947, expressing one of his deepest social thoughts.

A Talisman (Aug 08, 1947)

"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest human whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore his to a control over his own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?

Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."

~ M.K. Gandhi

Source: ​CWMG Vol. 96 page 311 ​

Be the Change: Connect with a community member in need, at least for a day, and be fully present for his/her needs.