How did Gandhi's beliefs influence his actions or behaviour?

Gandhi was one of the few leaders who advocated political
change through moral change and followed his own advice.  For the most part, there is
little duplicity in what Gandhi states and what he believes on a personal level.  In
South Africa, his movement for social change rested on the idea that all individuals are
equal in the eyes of divinity and should be treated as such by authority structures.  In
his ashram in South Africa, everyone did the same work.  No one was exempt from cleaning
and other menial duties.  Gandhi ensured that everyone followed this, including
himself.  As he moves to India, the might of the British Empire could only be
effectively disarmed through a moral as well as a political movement.  Gandhi preached
nonviolence and practiced it.  We do not see incidents, even at the British at their
worst to Indians or to Gandhi, where he deviates from this.  At the same time, the
stubbornness to acquiesce is something that Gandhi demanded of his followers as well as
embodied.  For Gandhi, one does not "cut deals" or seek a pragmatic solution to
problems, as much as standing for one's principles.  When Gandhi demanded a boycott to
British made clothing, he spun his own clothes and expected Indians to do the same.  The
spinning wheel, so closely associated with Indians and their flag, is representative of
Gandhi's political and personal beliefs.  When Gandhi says that individuals must be
willing to go to jail for their beliefs, he does so, as well.  There is little in way of
duplicity or deception here.