How Gandhi Turned Enemies Into Admirers

A note to young leaders.

If you humbly and patiently uphold your principles, you can make even your enemies to be at peace with you.

Consider Gandhi’s long struggle against General Jan Smuts, the South African statesman determined to enforce discriminatory laws.

While serving one of his many prison terms, Gandhi occupied his time by making a simple pair of leather sandals. Rather than keep them for himself, Gandhi sent them to Gen. Smuts along with a note saying that he bore no ill will towards Smuts and understood that he was simply doing his job.

Six years later, in 1914, as Gandhi boarded a ship bound for India, he found a package waiting in his cabin. Inside were the same, by now well-worn, sandals and a note from Smuts:

“I have worn these sandals for many a summer,” the General wrote. “Though I may not be worthy to stand in the shoes of so great a man, fate made me his antagonist – a man for whom, even then, I had the highest respect.”

Even across enemy lines, respect begets respect, goodwill begets goodwill.

Sandals plus time can perform miracles – but you’ve got to be patient, and you’ve got to be willing to take the hits.