Railroads

Gandhi takes a distinctly negative stance on the addition of railways. He states that, "it is beyond dispute that they propagate evil." (pg 24) Where the English stated how it connected the nation and therefore should unite the people together as one. This is where a connection to current times occurs. Today, when we see a new piece of technology, meant to make life easier, we automatically assume that it is for the betterment of society and that it is a step towards progress and the future. We often fail to see the negative aspects that are associated with almost any piece of technology. The Internet is one such example. The pros heavily out weigh the cons, however the cons are still present and have a resounding effect on people today. It takes away from the face to face social contact that is imperative to becoming a functioning individual.

Railroads to Gandhi seem to take on the same role. Although it does connect the country and make transportation more convenient, it does not cloak the problems that still exist. Gandhi speaks of how, "I do not wish to suggest that because we were one nation we had no differences, but it is submitted that our leading men traveled... They learned one another's languages and there was no aloofness between them." (pg 24)

The Internet today and the railroads of Gandhi's time, although completely different, encounter the same difficulties.