This short collection of essays mostly covers Mahatma Gandhi's personal philosophies and opinions on politics. The first essay is the only one on the Indian railways, and it discusses the shocking conditions imposed on the third class passengers which Ghandi worked to improve. The other essays are Vernacular as Media of Instruction, Swadeshi, Ahimsa, The Moral Basis of Co-operation and finally National Dress. Written around 1915 the titular essay gives a great historical insight into the travel conditions for India's working class a century ago. As ever Ghandi writes with humour, refusing to take himself too seriously. In the other essays he discusses topics such as the connection between politics and religion (still a debated point to this day), spirituality and defends his choice of wearing traditional clothes over European style trousers and shoes.