Excerpts From PROUT - A Solution-Oriented Paradigm of Development
An Introduction to the Socioeconomic Theory of P. R. Sarkar
Neohumanism:
Humanism Expanded

During the Renaissance Era, European scholars became acquainted with ancient Greek culture and were inspired by the human-oriented focus of Greek thought and art. This spurred them to create a more worldly and human-centered outlook, breaking from a past worldview long dominated by a focus on religion and the afterlife. Their new outlook was called humanism.

Humanism has come to refer to any philosophy, mode of thought, or course of action in which human interests predominate. For humanism, the measure of values and achievements is not derived from the authority of scriptures or laws, nor from the needs of the state or social institutions. Instead, humanist values derive from a concern for the welfare of human beings.

PROUT has put forward an expanded conception of humanism termed neohumanism. While neohumanism is new as a philosophical concept, it is based on an awareness that is perennial in nature - an awareness of the interwoven and interdependent nature of life. Many tribal societies have held this awareness, feeling a kinship with all beings within a complex web of creation. This awareness has been given new form and meaning by ecological science, which recognizes that interconnectedness is a fundamental reality of life, and by earth-based spirituality, which has revived a sense of the sacredness of nature.

If we are to fully accept that there is an interrelationship between all life, that no living being is independent of the common web of existence, then narrow identification with group interests, or even with the privileged interests of the human species, becomes untenable. Instead, a universal outlook is called for. The existential value of all life must be recognized. One's identification, at some primal level, must come to be with the welfare of the whole of humanity and with the well-being of the whole of planetary life. To hold the view that one group - whether a class, a caste, a nationality, a tribe, a religion or an ethnic community - is endowed with special rights, privileges, or status is to lose sight of the fact that the destiny of all is inalienably linked together.

Not only must we identify with all humanity, but also recognize that humanity shares its fate with the other living beings of the earth. So neohumanism is humanism which is not limited to valuing the welfare of human beings, but values as well the existence of all beings.

Realization of the inherent oneness of existence is most deeply felt through spiritual experience. In the attainment of spiritual transcendence, one feels a mystical union with the Divine, with the Sacred, with the whole. So while neohumanism may be supported by intellectual paradigms put forth by contemporary science, grounding in a neohumanistic outlook comes most immediately from spiritual experience. And, it should be remembered, spiritual experience arises out of our fundamental human nature. Spirituality is described differently in different times, cultures, and philosophies, but there is a commonality of spiritual experience inherent in our human nature: in our unique human capacity for self-reflection. This self-reflective capacity, if cultivataed, leads us toward knowledge of self, toward awareness of our cosmic identity. This is the essence of the spiritual quest, and it leads eventually to overcoming the illusion of separateness, of alienation from the whole, enabling us to see the Divine expressed within us and within all beings.

So the philosophical outlook of neohumanism requires no deep intellectual buttressing, no subtle abstractions of philosophy. It requires only the natural expression of our deepest human longing, our longing to know the self and experience the divine consciousness that lies associated with the self and through which we have kinship with all living beings.

Neohumanism - a new formulation of humanism expanded to include all living beings and based on perennial spirituality - has important significance for the present humanity. Our global society is fragmented by divisiveness and exploited by powerful interests that prey on the life force of the common people. Further, mother earth and her living beings are plundered and destroyed with little regard for the disruptive consequences, nor for the pain experienced by those without human voice. Neohumanism provides a value base for a new social reality, one in which there can be universal human dignity and in which the natural world can regain its balance and its full bounty of life.

Additional Excerpts
Introduction: The Rise of Spiritual-Centered Social Philosophy
Building a New Society: Beyond Dogma

By Ronald (Ravi) Logan, the author/editor, is an internationally recognized authority on PROUT and an Associate Director of the Prout Institute.

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