http://wagingnonviolence.org/2010/03/the-endless-haul-of-activism/ People-Powered News and Analysis Thu, 24 May 2012 01:48:27 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://wagingnonviolence.org/2010/03/the-endless-haul-of-activism/comment-page-1/#comment-2708 Bryan Farrell Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:06:30 +0000 http://wagingnonviolence.org/?p=3972#comment-2708 Osheroff's train metaphor reminded me of a different train metaphor that Gandhi used to describe his colleagues: "I was on the train to Rishikesh but they got off at Delhi," meaning he wanted to go beyond mere political gains (symbolized by the capital city). He wanted fundamental changes to society (symbolized by the holy city of Rishikesh with its many spiritual leaders). I find it significant that Gandhi had an end destination in mind, unlike Osheroff. Perhaps it gives us something to strive for. Some ideal. But I imagine Gandhi would say his train ride is very similar to Osheroff's, in that it never fully arrives. You are constantly reaching for perfection, enlightenment, etc. Osheroff’s train metaphor reminded me of a different train metaphor that Gandhi used to describe his colleagues: “I was on the train to Rishikesh but they got off at Delhi,” meaning he wanted to go beyond mere political gains (symbolized by the capital city). He wanted fundamental changes to society (symbolized by the holy city of Rishikesh with its many spiritual leaders). I find it significant that Gandhi had an end destination in mind, unlike Osheroff. Perhaps it gives us something to strive for. Some ideal. But I imagine Gandhi would say his train ride is very similar to Osheroff’s, in that it never fully arrives. You are constantly reaching for perfection, enlightenment, etc.

]]>