Chapter 9 Summary and Analysis

Voluntary Poverty and Space

The Art of Traveling Lightly

Once wealth and possessions have been renounced, everything should be left behind. The voyage is easier the lighter one travels—this according to Minucius Felix, 3rd Century. Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), weighed in with the comment that the "baggage" one carries throughout life is a hindrance to the journey as well as a disturbance to victory.

Gandhi, who experiences both wealth and poverty, finds that he can worship god most devoutly when he is poor and unencumbered. As in the case of Saint Bernard, if one ignores his wealth and possessions and does not allow them significance in his life, it is the same as having renounced them. Saint Bernard is criticized for riding a magnificent mule while making his rounds to the poor. He is sorry but explains that he...