Mohandes Gandhi Enters Rebellious Adolescent Phase, Engaging in Activities He Will Soon Reject

Like most growing children he passed through a rebellious phase, but contrary to the impression fostered by his autobiography, Gandhi’s adolescence was no stormier than that of many of his contemporaries.

Adventures into the forbidden land of meat- eating and smoking and petty pilfering were, and are not uncommon among boys of his age. What was extraordinary was the way his adventures ended. In every case when he had gone astray, he posed for himself a problem for which he sought a solution by framing a proposition in moral algebra. ‘Never again’ was his promise to himself after each escapade. And he kept the promise.

Gandhi stole coppers from his servant's pocket money for smoking, but gave up the practice. Stole a little gold from his brother's armlet to clear a debt, but felt ashamed and confessed to his father who pardoned him. From that day, Gandhi noted, "truth-telling became a passion with me".