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Leadership begins with self-discipline. It has never been just about holding a position or gaining public attention for moral authority. True leadership stems from a deeper, more challenging source: the willingness of leaders to practice the same discipline, restraint, and sacrifice they expect from others. When leaders govern themselves, they are more likely to take responsibility, and societies are better equipped to endure hardships. The principle is straightforward: people are more inclined to follow examples than mere instructions.

Mahatma Gandhi exemplified this principle remarkably well. Few public figures embodied it as effectively as he did. His life and philosophy, detailed in his autobiography “The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” were grounded in ethical practice. During his time in South Africa, he consistently demonstrated that moral persuasion is rooted in personal conduct. A notable instance involves Kasturba Gandhi, who suffered from chronic health issues. Influenced by contemporary writings on diet, Gandhi advised her to eliminate salt for better health. Initially, Kasturba resisted.

Instead of simply instructing her, Gandhi took the more challenging route by pledging to give up salt for a year. Kasturba knew that........

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