Message To The Readers Of The Survey, New York, March 5, 1922¹

... you expect something from my pen. You will excuse me for the time being, but I would like to give you and your readers just this assurance that our non-cooperation is not intended to promote isolation or exclusiveness, but it is but a prelude to real cooperation with the rest of the world not excluding the West. Nor would I have your readers to think that in fighting the British government I am fighting western civilisation, but I am endeavouring to fight modern civilisation as distinguished from the ancient which India has not happily yet discarded. Modern civilisation as represented by the West of today, in my opinion, has given Matter a place which by right belongs to Spirit. It has therefore put violence upon the throne of triumph and held under bondage Truth and Innocence. It is this error which enfeebled India is trying to fight, and I have no doubt whatsoever that if those who are engaged in the fight remain true to their pledge God will help them.

^1:The editor of The Survey, a weekly concerned with social welfare and related issues, requested a contribution by Gandhi.