How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
But I should certainly like to narrate my experiments in the spiritual field which are known only to myself, and from which I have derived such power as I possess for working in the political field. (Introduction.3)
How did Gandhi manage to pull off some of the greatest political actions in history? He says his spiritual experiments are the source of his political power. All of his dieting and other exercises in self-restraint add up to a politically powerful person.
Quote #2
I must therefore confess that most of my efforts to instruct Kasturbai in our youth were unsuccessful. And when I awoke from the sleep of lust, I had already launched forth into public life, which did not leave me much spare time. (1.4.6)
It's a simple observation to say that icons such as Gandhi or Martin Luther King, Jr. didn't have a lot of spare time. That means they gave up a lot in life—in this case, Gandhi gave up educating his wife.
Quote #3
"No, I could not thus charge you for public work," said I. [...] "My work would be mainly to make you all work. And how could I charge you for that? And then I should have to appeal to you frequently for funds for the work, and if I were to draw my maintenance from you, I should find myself at a disadvantage in making an appeal for large amounts, and we should ultimately find ourselves at a standstill." (2.17.15)
Should activists be paid for what they do? Here, Gandhi says he won't take money for public work. (The term "public work" sounds a lot more respectable than "activism.")