Final answer:
Gandhi used rhetoric to promote non-violent resistance for Indian independence, emphasizing self-sufficiency and cultural identity, and inspiring global movements for civil rights and decolonization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mahatma Gandhi skillfully used rhetoric in his letters and speeches to advance his purpose of attaining Indian independence through non-violent means. In his "Quit India" speech, Gandhi introduced the concept of 'the weapon of ahimsa' (non-violence) which may seem contradictory on the surface, but reflects his commitment to peaceful resistance against British colonial rule. His duty to his people was to empower them through self-sufficiency and to assert their right to self-rule. By advocating the production of homemade goods and the rejection of British-made products, like spinning his own yarn to make clothes, Gandhi encouraged an economic freedom that went hand-in-hand with the political freedom he fought for. His rhetoric emphasized the importance of an India rooted in its own culture and traditions rather than a mere extension of British institutions, a sentiment further highlighted during his leadership of the Indian National Congress party.
Gandhi's use of rhetoric was deeply intertwined with his vision of peaceful protest and civil disobedience as a means to bring about change. By leading by example, he inspired others around the globe facing colonization and discrimination. He consistently emphasized his belief in the higher moral duty to serve and protect his people, which included civil disobedience as a 'sacred duty' when faced with a corrupt or lawless state. Through his rhetoric, Gandhi conveyed a powerful sense of obligation to the welfare of India and its inhabitants, both in the immediate and for future generations.