Certainly one of the greatest men of the late 19th century and one of the few universal saints and modern peace icons (like the Dalai Lama).

Although many old hippie peacenicks and modern greens or anti-globalists like to use him as an honored ancestor - they hardly understand his ways. First of all his life was total dedication to the path he had chosen. Not many people are willing to go to prison or starve themselves to death just for an idea. He also survived several attempts on his life - until a religious nutcase finally murdered him.

Second he was a peaceful protester, but nevertheless a ruthless opponent. He knew how to beat and hurt the British economy. His usage of the spinning wheel was not just a symbolic act - India independence meant also that that they were self sufficient again, developing their own strong economy apart from the integration/exploitation of the British empire. The spinning wheel is still part of the national flag of India.

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