Neo-humanism

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Neohumanism is a theory based on spirituality, mental expansion,ecology and social change introduced by Indian philosopher Prabhat Rainjan Sarkar in 1982 in his book 'Liberation of Intellect - Neohumanism.' It is a theory about human nature and the way for individuals and society to seek the development of their full potentials.

The base of Neohumanism, as explained by P. R. Sarkar, is universal love. It is a holistic philosophy that addresses the goal of life, the function of society, the way to remove dogmas and limitations from the mind, and many other aspects of human life. With his characteristic optimism Sarkar expresses in Neohumanism the confidence in a bright future for humanity.

What distinguishes Neohumanism from Humanism is the importance Sarkar placed on the need for human beings to respect and protect their living and non-living bio-community. The existential rights of animals, the preservation of species and practice of vegetarianism was thus encouraged and considered an important ingredient in a sentient lifestyle.

1 Definition by the author
2 Principles of Neohumanism
3 References
- 3.1 Books by P. R. Sarkar on Neo-Humanism:
- 3.2 Books by other authors on Neohumanism as propounded by P. R. Sarkar:

[edit] Definition by the author

P.R. Sarkar defines Neohumanism in his own words, "the concern for the vital flow throbbing in other human creatures has driven people to the fold of humanism, has made them humanists. Now, if the same human sentiment is extended to include all creatures of this universe, then and only then can human existence be said to have attained its final consummation.

And in the process of expanding one's inner love to other creatures, there should be another sentiment behind this human sentiment, which will vibrate human sentiment in all directions, which will touch the innermost recesses of the hearts of all creatures, and lead one and all to the final stage of supreme blessedness.

All molecules, atoms, protons, positrons and neutrons are the veritable expressions of the same supreme consciousness ... when the underlying spirit of humanism is extended to everything, animate and inanimate, in this universe -- I have designated this as Neohumanism. This Neohumanism will elevate humanism to universalism, the cult of love for all created beings of this universe."

[edit] Principles of Neohumanism

Neohumanism simply stated extends the love of the human heart to embrace the entire creation, including all living beings as well as the inanimate world. In contrast to the Western view that the individual is alone in the universe and in competition with others for resources and status, Neohumanism promotes a vision of humanity as intimately linked with the fabric of the universe.

Thus Neohumanism recognizes only the broadest sentiment of universalism, which embraces all the entities of the cosmos, including plants, animals and the inanimate world and rejects all other dogmatic sentiments, which impose limitations on the human mind. These include geo-sentiment or partiality to one's territory, socio-sentiment or partiality to one's community and human sentiment or partiality to humans at the cost of animals, plants and other created objects.

Neohumanism talks about two principles that guide people predominantly: Principle of Selfish Pleasure and the Principle of Social Equality. Recognising social equality leads to the practice of goodwill and service towards others as life principles, as well as the acceptance of the inter-relatedness of all life and the responsible role that human beings play in the universal structure.

Contrarily, the Principle of Selfish Pleasure is where one pursues one's own pleasure and success in life regardless of how one's actions affect others. Persons following the Principle of Selfish Pleasure ignore the painful sufferings and deprivations of other entities on the planet. Persons following the Principle of Social Equality fight for justice.

Neohumanism calls for liberating the intellect from dogmatic and limiting views through awakened conscience, the mental process of studying, applying rational mentality and utilizing the principle of social equality. One discriminates which aspects of rational knowledge are worth pursuing by measuring them against one's conscience which is a mental faculty that considers whether or not an idea is for the benevolent welfare of all.

Regarding implementing any changes in life there are different strategies one may adopt. First is the reformist. Such an individual would like to see change over a very gradual period. Often this dilutes the process of change so that it becomes ineffective. Second is the reactionary, who does not want to see change at all. Third is the pseudo-reformist who speaks in favour of change but actually doesn't really want to see change. Last is the revolutionary, who works for positive change in the shortest possible time. A neohumanist, after analysing that an aspect of social change is for the collective welfare, pursues it with dynamism and revolutionary zeal.

Neohumanism encourages true human culture in contrast to "pseudo-culture," the homogenous consumer products, music, films, and television shows that are designed not to uplift the human spirit but to gain short term profits for their makers. These products are finding their way into every corner of the world, and eroding local cultural expressions and sentiments.

Neohumanism is the inspiration behind Neohumanist Education which is being implemented in over 800 schools around the world in an effort to kindle the inner heart of humanity and to fight against ‘pseudo-culture.’