Mahatma Gandhi was very shy by nature. In his book, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, he confesses that it was a long time before he managed to shake off his shyness. While studying in London, he joined a vegetarian society. At one of its meetings he was asked to make a speech. He stood up, but was unable to express himself. Finally, he brought himself to voice a few words of thanks and sat down. On another occasion, when he was invited to express his ideas on vegetarian food, he set his thoughts down on paper, but was not even able to read out what he himself has written. Someone, however, taking pity on him, read his discourse for him.
After passing his examination in law from London, he started his practice in Bombay. Here again, his shyness was a stumbling block. When he appeared before the judge, in his first case, he was so nervous that he could not say anything. He had to tell his client that he would not be able to pursue his case, and that he should choose another lawyer for himself.
Mahatma Gandhi was well-known for his thoughtful and economical manner of speech. But, this outstanding trait only came from another trait, which few would consider outstanding.
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is an Islamic spiritual scholar who has authored over 200 books on Islam, spirituality, and peaceful coexistence in a multi-ethnic society.
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