Society is the ultimate in human evolution. We live in a cohesive society which provides for all the human needs whether natural or nurtured. Cohesion is the most important factor in coexistence. Philosophy of coexistence is not a matter of debate but one of truth. Few of us really wonder the mechanics of our world and the society we live in. Cohesion and coexistence paved the way for human evolution and eventual domination of the planet. In earlier evolutionary phases of humanity, the acceptance of uniqueness of the individual paved the way for our development and progress. Humans tend to look to the nature for models for inspiration and emulate that is worthy. Usage of tools or body hygiene may have been picked from crows and cats. Use of shelters might have been forced by the nature and its vagaries but selection of domicile would have been influenced by cave dwelling animals. Plumage and cosmetics might be the result of watching the mating rituals of birds though the opposite gender in humans picked up the habit. Whatever the stage that was set and acted upon, humans were adaptable and agreeable to fellow humans. Animal kingdom had its own strict and rigid values that limited the individual development. Humans differed from animals in that basic sense. Animals had to tow the line or become an outcast. Humans accepted singular and distinctive tendencies and assimilated all positive (and some negative) traits into our culture. The basic philosophy of coexistence was established in character.
It is easy to make assumptions and deliberate on the theme. However, 'however' is a constant in human evolution. We progressed from stone-age to rocket science, however the progress had its consequences. We unraveled the secret of DNA and broke through the space barrier. However, we are still fighting maladies like cancer and AIDS. The world has shrunk due to supersonic travel and broadband. However we are yet to accustom ourselves to different beliefs and cultures. Pizza and sushi are ubiquitous, however we are yet to adopt family values or filial duties from the same cultures. Yoga and acupuncture are common practices however we are yet to assimilate collectiveness into our systems. Equality and level playing field is accepted as a fundamental right world over. However, we are yet to abandon caste and class and gender discrimination.
The next in line to the philosophy of coexistence is the medium of exchange. The proverb 'money is the root of all evils' does not stem from greed. Money or currency created isolated pockets of humankind. When the exchange was through barter interaction was unavoidable. Cohesiveness had meaning and only a cohesive society could exist under ideal conditions. When the medium of exchange was invented and put into practice, mankind changed its behavior. It created classes and creeds. Mankind lost its cohesiveness and the philosophy of coexistence took an about turn. It became coexistence between haves and have-nots. The change was inevitable considering the human tendency for change. However, the change became the 'root of all evils'. Discrimination became rampant and humanity was lost or acquired a different meaning. Philosophy of coexistence became that of serfdom and master class. It was not really coexistence but conformity. The world population attuned themselves to distinctive life styles.
The real philosophy of coexistence is the ability to accept different beliefs. Mankind developed the sense of Super Being since time immemorial. The original beliefs were about the unexplainable. Later this was refined to tenets and doctrines. The articulate spread beliefs which were logical and believable in existing circumstances. Arguments and postulations percolated to the commoners through reiterations and repetitions. Charisma and personality played its part in bringing cohesiveness to localized societies. However, this proved to be a detriment to the philosophy of coexistence. Different beliefs found it difficult to accommodate other ways of life. Conflicts occurred among different beliefs. One tried to dominate another and it lead to crusades. Two cultures stand out in this. Sanathan Dharma and Shinto were oriented towards oneness with nature and peaceful coexistence. These dogmas disregarded the human diversity and accepted the universal truth of uniqueness. The philosophy of coexistence is not dependent on give and take but of acceptance.
Author: Gangadharan Variyar
email: gangadharan_venoor@yahoo.co.in
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