The Economy of Permanence: A Quest for a Social Order Based on Non-violence (स्थायी अर्थतन्त्र)

Economy of Permanence
IV. MAN AND FREEWILL
For the purpose of our study we need not go further into the economies of life
governing other orders in nature but confine ourselves to the life of the one
creature in the animal kingdom-Man-who has the ability either to make or mar
the orderly functioning of Nature. Though such interference as it may suffer
from him may be but transient, as Nature is mighty enough to hold its own
against man and ultimately have its own way, yet, from time to time, he does
upset its even working and cause a jar or jolt, like the present global war. By a
closer study, we may be able to find ways and means of co-operating more
satisfactorily with the order of the day in nature and thus be able to avoid
needless violence and contribute to greater happiness by consciously working
towards, if not attaining, an Economy of Permanence.
All other animals conform, more or less rigidly, to the laws of Nature. They do
not have much latitude for the exercise of their own 'Freewill'. They work under
the dictates of their instinct which tells them the way of Nature. Their path
through life is like that of railway train, the rails, like their instinct, guide the
direction and course of the trains. Without any further steering, if nothing
untoward happens, as long as the train is kept in motion, it is sure to reach its
destination travelling by night or day, through open country or forests, over hill
or dale.
As soon as a chicken bursts its way out of the egg-shell it runs about in search
of food and picks up grains that are good for its nourishment. When fed, it rests
under the winds of the mother bird, getting the needed warmth. It is naturally
aware of approaching danger and runs to shelter instantly. It never overeats
because the food may be palatable, nor goes in pursuit of pleasure to gratify its
senses. All such life is controlled by instinct and not conscious volition.
Animals that live close to nature seldom get ill and, even if they do suffer from
digestive disturbances occasionally, they eat certain .herbs by instinct which
set them right either by vomiting or purging.
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