Journal #11

Ashley suggested that I read "The Future of Mankind" by Dr. M. Aram. He is the founder of Shanti Ashram, the organization that I will be working with while in India. I think that this book is very interesting to read, not only because I am learning about the values and beliefs of the founder but also because it was written in the 80s. The problems and the worries of the 80s are different than today. For example, one of the biggest issues he discusses is the fear of Nuclear Holocaust. Although this is still a threat in today's world, it is not as big of an issue as it was in the past (meaning very rarely do people talk about the fear of a Nuclear Holocaust, usually people talk about the fear of Terrorism). In this book Dr. Aram makes some predictions about the future and the problems that may arise. For example, he discusses the fear of unemployment, ecological damage, over-population, etc. etc. and how many people fear not being able to live past the year 2000. Looking back from 2010, it's an interesting perspective to see what the worries were in the time period the book was written.
However, even though there were some differences, the ideas of the book are very applicable today. Something that I thought was fascinating was that he attributed the human crisis to the following problems: demographic, economic, political, military, and religion crisis. However, he believes the the way to solves the human problem is through the educational, cultural, scientific, technological and spiritual dimensions. He believes that world peace is possible because:

"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men, the defenses of peace must be constructed."

Dr. Aram believes that although religion/spiritual beliefs can be part of the problem, it can also be part of a powerful solution to the world's problems. His beliefs are heavily influenced by Gandhi's teachings and beliefs.

Generally I have heard that world peace is not possible. That there are too many problems and too few solutions. Since war has existed since the beginning of time how could we possibly live without it? It's hard not to believe that type of logic (at least in my way of thinking). However, India was able to peacefully rebel against British rule and succeed. And it was because of this way of thought and the example of Gandhi that India was able to accomplish something that (to my knowledge) has never been done before. It just goes to show that there is not just one way of doing things...even freedom. I am even more interested now to be able to go and work in an organization that is based on beliefs that are very seldom seen in American culture.