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

Economy of Permanence
In ancient days, the Greek and Roman Empires, which owed their grandeur to
the tributes of other peoples and were based on a system of slavery were
parasitic.
At the present time, all national organizations that depend upon colonial
production or on exploited labour are Parasitic. The British Opium Trade with
China, the British Slave Traffic with Southern States of America, King Leopold's
exploitation of the West African Estates, and the dependence of British manu-
factures on Indian markets are parasitic in that they spell ruin to their victims.
There are others who are like the monkey, which enjoys the fruits to produce
which it has done nothing. But still, it does not injure the tree that yields the
fruit but leaves it unharmed so that it may produce some more. The monkey is
predatory.
In ancient history, there were men like Nadir Shah, who plundered temples and
carried away surplus idle wealth but did not affect the wealth producing
capacity of the citizens. Their raids were predatory.
Modern financiers of New York, who hold the South American republics in
tribute, are of this type. Shareholders of present day joint stock companies,
who draw their dividends without contributing any personal effort in
production, are also predatory. They share in the benefit but do not help in the
working. Similarly, the great cartels, trusts and combines, which through
monopolistic control, get a greater share of benefit in proportion to their
contribution, are largely predatory.
The Modern or Human Stage: The former stage was based on a purely self-
centred outlook and on rights. This human stage shows sign of recognition of
one's duties and often there is an attempt to balance rights with duties. Nations
in this stage strive to be content with the fruits of their own labour without
injuring their neighbour. Agricultural civilizations of India and China, supported
largely by artisans pursuing their vocations peacefully for profit, are typical of
this group of enterprise.
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