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

Economy of Permanence
Industrial nations, like America follow such a policy as being one of 'enlightened
self-interest' but it is inimical to man's freedom of action and growth of
personality.
There are other objectives in introducing or following a complex standard of
life, but as these do not concern the masses intimately we shall but give a
passing notice to such.
Ostentation calls for a complex standard. A person may put his servants in
uniform to attract attention or appear distinguished. A uniform sinks the
personality of the servant and makes him a mere functionary. He ceases to be
'Rama' of 'Din Mohamed' and becomes 'Boy', Bearer, Peon, Chaprasi, 'Driver' etc.
Such servants (poor creatures that they are) do not possess such finery in
private life and so hug these uniforms and are proud of them. Ostentations
spending has been well termed 'conspicuous waste'. Such habits, in a poor
country like ours, must be regarded 'criminal waste'.
Then exclusiveness can only be ensured by a complex standard. Travelling first
class or paying high rents to live in aristocratic localities are of this category.
For our country no one standard can be fixed. Any form chosen will have to be
selected after fully taking into consideration the local demands of nutrition,
climate, facilities for human progress, opportunities for expressing personality,
etc.
In South India, rich as staple food may be adequate but it must be unpolished
and balanced with other articles like milk, dhal, vegetables, fat, etc. The
climate here may not call for much clothing or any foot-wear and a mat may be
sufficient bedding. In the North, wheat may do duty as a staple with other
articles to balance the diet. The severe cold of winter may call for more
clothing and foot-wear, charpoys or cots etc. So what is a necessity in one
place may be a superfluity in another. Hence the need to judge the mode of
life in close relationship with local circumstances and environment.
If the norm chosen is to lead to permanence and non-violence, it should fit into
the local economy of the people. We have, in an earlier chapter, noticed how
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