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

Economy of Permanence
The Islamic culture, with its ethnical solidarity and unity, where there is no
distinction of colour, White, Black, Red, Brown or Yellow, nor of estate-prince
or peasant, is definitely of the Gregarious type. The recent acquisitions to this
group are the Nazis and Fascists. These are highly group-conscious, though of a
violent type, especially to those outside their circle. Nevertheless, they are
gregarious in character and have developed a high sense of duty to their own
people. Every member of the group merges his individuality in the general
interests of the whole body or organization.
The Advanced or the Spiritual State: Here the sense of duty, not only to those
of the group, but to all creatures, pervades the whole atmosphere. Most
religions are levers to attain this stage. They all advocate love of our
neighbours and service of the needy. They also point out how man, when he
deviates from God's ways, sins and comes under judgement. They warn people
of the allurements of desire and of the danger of exercising our will to subserve
wordly pleasures of the passing moment. As yet we have not evolved any large
social group which can be cited as an example of this order. Though the ancient
conception of the Brahmins was an approach to this stage, yet, the modern
sect, so called, is far away from the ideal.
It is this stage as a goal that Gandhiji is pressing forward to with all his might
and main. The institutions he has sponsored such as the All India Spinners'
Association, The AM India Village Industries Association etc., are examples of
his practical attempts to translate his ideals into action. If he succeeds, a non-
violent Economy of Permanence would have been established ushering in a
civilization of lasting peace or Ram Raj or Kingdom of God on earth.
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