Correct Option
Mahatma Gandhi was profoundly influenced by John Ruskin's book 'Unto This Last,' which he read in 1904 during a train journey in South Africa. The book's central message, which Gandhi identified as transforming his life, was the principle that the good of an individual is inherently contained in the good of all. This conviction became a cornerstone of his socio-economic and ethical philosophy, leading to his concept of Sarvodaya (welfare of all) and influencing his ideas on self-sufficient communities and collective well-being.
Incorrect Options
Statement (a): While uplifting the oppressed and poor was a fundamental aspect of Mahatma Gandhi's broader philosophy and work, this specific statement does not represent the core, transformative message he explicitly attributed to 'Unto This Last.' The book's primary influence on him was the concept of Sarvodaya, which encompasses collective welfare and dignity of labour.
Statement (c): Mahatma Gandhi's commitment to celibacy (Brahmacharya) and spiritual pursuit was indeed central to his personal life and philosophy. However, these principles were primarily shaped by his personal experiences, religious convictions, and Hindu philosophical traditions, rather than being a direct message derived from John Ruskin's 'Unto This Last.'
Statement (d): This option is incorrect because only statement (b) accurately reflects the fundamental message Mahatma Gandhi derived from 'Unto This Last' that significantly transformed his life.