Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential figures in modern political and economic thought, developed a philosophy deeply rooted in moral and ethical principles. While Gandhi’s ideas were largely inspired by Indian traditions, religion, and social reform movements, it is evident that his thinking was also shaped significantly by Western philosophers, economists, and political theorists. Gandhi’s engagement with Western thought was selective, critical, and transformative, blending insights from Western thinkers with Indian philosophical concepts to formulate a unique approach to politics, economics, and society. In the realm of political philosophy, one of the key Western influences on Gandhi was John Ruskin, particularly through Ruskin’s book *Unto This Last*. Ruskin, an English social critic and thinker, argued that the moral and social responsibilities of individuals should take precedence over material wealth and that the economic system should serve human well-being rather than mere profit accumulation. Gandhi was profoundly influenced by Ruskin’s emphasis on the ethical dimension of economics and the idea that the dignity of labor and the welfare of every individual should form the foundation of a just society. Ruskin’s critique of industrial capitalism resonated with Gandhi, especially in highlighting how unchecked industrialization could erode human values and lead to social inequalities. This led Gandhi to advocate for a decentralized economic model that emphasized self-reliance, village industries, and the moral upliftment of society over economic growth measured in conventional terms. Gandhi’s concept of *Sarvodaya*, or the welfare of all, reflects Ruskin’s influence in its insistence that economics must serve ethical and humanitarian purposes. Gandhi was also influenced by the ideas of Leo Tolstoy, the Russian novelist and thinker, whose works on non-violence, simplicity, and spiritual morality left a lasting impression on him. Tolstoy’s book *The Kingdom of God Is Within You* argued for the primacy of non-violent action, moral resistance to injustice, and the rejection of state-sponsored violence. Gandhi encountered Tolstoy’s ideas while in South Africa, and they became a cornerstone of his political philosophy, particularly in the development of *Satyagraha*—the strategy of non-violent resistance. Tolstoy’s insistence on moral authority as the basis of social action, rather than coercion or political power, influenced Gandhi’s approach to leadership, activism, and social reform. In political terms, Tolstoy’s critique of modern civilization reinforced Gandhi’s emphasis on simple living,