Communist countries have not succeeded with the philosophy of sharing ownership and creating a classless society. On the other hand capitalist countries which adopted the central value of the individual have created capitalist monsters who are so self centred that society will have to pay a very heavy price.
Do write in. I know this post is rambling random thought. Still blogs give us a place to express ourselves. It is like performing in a theatre where only the stage is all lit up. Just hope there is someone in the audience!
What is needed is for people to acquire the balance between the individual and societal requirements.
Warren Buffet, Narayan Murthy, JRD, all come to mind when you think of a simple life in spite of great wealth.
The other day N R Narayan Murthy was asked during a television interview as to how he still helps with domestic chores when he has so much wealth. His response was about how he was from a middle class family. 'Middle class' is how one perceives himself/herself in relation to society and is not really about location on the economic continuum. It is about values. Values of austerity, service, simplicity, living within ones means, family, and such other things.
10% of the population in the U.S. controls more than 50% of the income generated. The divide between the rich and poor in India is also growing at an alarming rate. The impact of this economic phenomenon is having a great impact on society. I will not be surprised if we have a U.K riots type of situation in urban India in the next decade.
The answer is simple. Stick to the middle class values. Austerity and simplicity are not in the lexicon of urban India, however keeping society's needs and responding responsibly are values that we can give up only at our own peril. We so easily forget that our children will need to live in a society created by our behaviour.
Dharma = 360 degrees integrated legal system that incorporates the needs of the individuals, family, society, country and environment. "it depends" is not about lack of clarity. It is about the need for circumstances and impact on various stake holders to be considered.
