Abstract

This study investigated the contribution of the will to the development and practice of leadership by Gandhi. Literature of the will from philosophers, theologians, and psychologists provided identification of the main characteristics of the will. The ability to develop the will through the overcoming of adversity and suffering, and by the control of emotions, was selected for the research on will in Gandhi's writings. Explorations of the development of will by Gandhi also included a consideration of other characteristics of the will, such as free choice, action, and power. ;The use of hermeneutic methodology provided the basis for a dialogue with Gandhi's writings. This methodology also supported the formulation of research questions regarding Gandhi's concept of the will and the development of his own will. ;This study suggests that Gandhi's leadership benefited significantly from his development of will through the overcoming of adversity and suffering in his personal life and in his work. The results show Gandhi's persistent and methodical dedication to the control of emotions, especially anger and the sexual urge. ;Gandhi's writings enrich the theory of the will with his emphasis on goodwill and the common will. Gandhi's writings also suggest that the use of vows is an important tool for the control of emotions. ;This dissertation reopens the theoretical discussion of the will in the context of leadership. It also provides practical ways of identifying the development of the will in a leader and offers pragmatic suggestions for the education and formation of future leaders. The study also substantiates the importance of the role of will and emotions in the making of a leader, and contributes to the studies of Gandhi by providing data regarding his control of emotions. The results point towards the exploration of the will and emotions as a neglected feature in the areas of politics and education