Though at bottom he remained, as do most socialists, optimistic, though he was committed to certain viewpoints, and though he allowed himself outbursts of impulsiveness, on occasions a headlong impetuosity, Nehru had detachment.
In most things he had it to an unusual degree -- including about himself. Here again he was not a Brahmin for nothing. Normally he was not involved emotionally in a deep way, or for long. This applied even to the death of those who had been near to him. Some of the officials who had worked closely with him for some years were surprised and hurt to discover on their leaving him that they had meant little to him personally.
As one complained to me, they were like discarded coats for which there was no longer a need.
Image: With daughter Indira Gandhi and grandson Rajiv Gandhi.
Buy Nehru, A Contemporary's Estimate by Walter Crocker
Also read: Nehru's legacy: India, the lamb state
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