Welcome again to PROUT Gems. The concept of leadership is now on the world stage. Serious questions are being asked about the calibre of leadership. Tariq Ali outlined some important points on Lateline on ABC TV on 14 September 2002. They were: "But no-one, no Western leader, has so far publicly even declared that they're sorry about the innocent Afghan civilians who have been killed, whose numbers are now between 3,000 and 4,000." "I would say there's an enormous lack of creativity among the Western leadership. George W Bush as a leader of vision and creativity, give us a break! People all over the world laugh when you say that. One of the most noticeable things is the quality of leadership in the United States at the moment is at a very low level. And having Tony Blair licking up to you doesn't particularly help either. I have to say it, even though I disagree, your PM [John Howard in Australia] is probably the most intelligent of right wing leaders in power today. Mercifully he's completely marginal." So what is sort of leadership is required and what are the hallmarks? -- Some issues to consider for leaders Human beings are social beings. If they have to live alone for a long time they feel restless and search frantically for the company of others. So human beings should be very careful in selecting the leaders of society. Throughout history it can be noticed that many countries with a demoniacal nature have pushed the entire society to the brink of destruction. Sometimes whole communities have been exterminated, while at other times society has overcome destruction only after coming to the precipice. Personality as a trademark of leadership, whether good or bad, has existed since ancient times and will continue to exist in the future. This is why society should be very careful in selecting its leaders. Leaders should only be recognized after considering the extent to which they possess qualities like intelligence, wisdom, integrity, pioneering zeal, readiness to sacrifice, etc. The solidarity and unity of a group depends on the strength and determination of the leadership. The leadership must be collective no individualistic. If the leadership is not strong the entire structure -- social, economic and political -- becomes weak and ultimately crumbles down. If the social consciousness is such that the moral and ethical standards are not high, it is said that "The nature of people is somewhat like that of a flock of sheep, when one sheep falls into a ditch, the others will follow." Democracy compares most favourably with all the systems of government that have so far been evolved. However there is less scope for strong leadership in a democracy than in a dictatorship. In a dictatorship common people are harassed in many ways by the whimsical rule of the dictator, and in a democracy people are equally harassed by the whimsical decisions of political parties and the expedient behaviour of the party or its cadres. Peace-loving citizens are sometimes made to suffer terribly in their hands. If the system of individual dictatorship cannot be fully supported, how can we support the system of party dictatorship? The only solution to individual dictatorship, party dictatorship and democratic pandemonium is the concept of leadership by those socially and ethically conscious who have as their goal the self-realisation and self-actualisation of their highest potential and also that of others, and service to society or the world and the well being of the universe as a whole. The problem we see with those in power today (as many can hardly be called leaders) is a defect in their objectivated mind and this can cause superiority complex (or inferiority complex). When the objectivated mind becomes large enough to pamper one's ego, one develops a superiority complex. One starts considering oneself to be superior to others in points of knowledge, capacity to act, organizational calibre and other qualities of leadership, and such persons will unnecessarily slight others or nations. Such a person expects preferential treatment and assumes the nation the person represents also requires preferential treatment, VIP status and unquestioning obedience. If by accident the ego is hurt even slightly, they become upset. This gives rise to another kind of mania. This is due to lack of universal or spiritual outlook. -- Leadership and spiritual outlook By P.R. Sarkar Generally, there are three recognized means to bring about social welfare: The rule of brute force The rule of reason Spiritual leadership The rule of brute force Sometimes the members of a society are made to follow rules in accordance with the dictatorial decrees of their leaders. But these dictating authorities are far from being benevolent, rather they trick the members of society into believing that they are acting for their welfare, while their sole concern is to promote narrow self-interest, power and privileges. Their guidance is not at all helpful for the growth of social welfare. For example, the British government ruled India for two hundred years. But how much real progress has there been in India? In most cases, their rule was based on their own self- aggrandizement. The political leaders of so many countries have led their countries to the brink of war. The political history of Germany, Italy, Spain, Pakistan and China is a clear proof of this truth. Even though thousands of citizens hardly have enough food to fill their bellies, their leaders continue to spend vast amounts of money on arms. History does provide some examples of benign, enlightened kings such as Ashok the Great, and Alfred the Great, who did some good for society, but they are few in number. Most were warmongers, such as Ghengis Khan, who were so cruel that they stained the green earth under their feet with blood, and caused the sky to resound with the wails and tears of their innocent victims. The rule of a dictator is no rule at all. The rule of reason What is reason or logic? There are three aspects of logic: analytical surveillance, substantial formulation and pinpointed presentation. This is the type of leadership that exists today. It is useful in battle. In the battlefield an efficient general does not start the battle without strengthening his army first. First he sends out his intelligence unit to find the weak points of the opposing army. Secondly, he stations his army in such a way that his soldiers can mount a surprise attack on the enemy installations. Thirdly, the moment he gains the advantage he raids the enemy camp and attains complete victory. In exactly the same way a logician strives to detect the loopholes and weaknesses in his adversary's argument. This part of the debate is called analytical surveillance. In the next stage he formulates convincing arguments to defeat the logic put forward by his opponent. This part of the debate is called substantial formulation. In the third stage he will present his clear views in such a way that his adversary is completely defeated. This part of the debate is called pinpointed presentation. When one's mind is perfectly adjusted with these three phases of logic it is called reason. Reason is relative knowledge. Many people may come to the wrong conclusion along the path of reason because, if the first premise is wrong, the conclusion is also bound to be wrong. For instance, if a person studies the old books on geography and argues that Allahabad is the capital of Uttar Pradesh, or Cuttack is the capital of Orissa, it would be something ludicrous. If one resolves this very moment to lead an honest life, that would be absolute knowledge because absolute knowledge comes directly from the inherent characteristic of human beings to expand and the desire for realisation of their true self and produces a certain awareness in the human mind. Spiritual guidance "That which leads to liberation through discipline is called scripture." Common people usually live their lives according to absolute knowledge and become noble and great. That is why we see people like Kabir and Ramakrishna who, even without formal schooling, were highly regarded by thousands and thousands of people. In fact, it is doubtful whether learned scholars could bring about even a small fraction of the spiritual progress these great people brought to society. The amount of social welfare achieved by the rule of ordinary administration is very insignificant. The rule of administration is actually no rule. It does not provide any inspiration for the desire to work, but rather injects a fear psychosis in the mind. Such administrators do not command the confidence of the people. Once they are removed from power they lose their social prestige. Social progress is achieved to some extent through absolute knowledge. Today, there is a great possibility of narrow sentiments, such as nationalism, casteism, communalism, provincialism, etc. By extolling the greatness of nation, class, community, creed, colour, etc, if often tends to suppress other nations, classes, communities, creeds, etc, or wants to annihilate them completely. On the other hand absolute knowledge teaches human beings that the innate characteristic (dharma) of all human beings is one and the same. Their is a Universal Consciousness. All the human beings of the world are brothers and sisters. All are equal, no one is low, no one is high. Relative knowledge, by concocting certain false arguments, may prove that there is no Universal Consciousness or God - that it is a mere figment of human imagination. A weak brain may accept this argument, but the heart can never do so. Whenever there is a conflict between the brain and the heart, intelligent people should respond to the call of the heart. What does this mean? In part, it means to develop love for others and to develop one's thinking (a higher form of intellect) so that it is a pinnacled intellect that touches the deepest intuitive (not instinctual) nature of human beings that leads to all round welfare in thought, word and action. It is this that is lacking in those in power today. Their inner spirit is suppressed and their power is displayed by technical and logical agility only - often based on false or narrow assumptions. -- What is the real problem? Many people say that different national interests are the only hurdle in the formation of a world government. This is not the only obstruction; rather, this is just a minor difficulty. The real cause lies in the fear of national leaders losing their leadership. With the establishment of a world government the powerful influence, which they enjoy today in different countries, societies and in national life, will no longer exist. Rather, there will need to be a collective leadership. Different national interests and popular scepticism may hinder the formation of a world government. The progress of this work must be carried on step by step to remove the baseless fears in the human minds. Besides, due consideration will have to be given to removing any possible obstacles to the formation of a world government. The world government has to be strengthened step by step and not suddenly. It can start and the starting model needs to consider all interests. For example, two houses may be formed for an unspecified period for administration. The lower house will comprise representatives from parts of the world elected on the basis of population, while members of the upper house will be elected country wise. By this arrangement those countries which cannot send a single representative to the lower house due to their small population, will benefit by expressing their opinions before the people of the world by sending their representatives to the upper house. The upper house cannot adopt any resolution unless the lower house has ratified it, but it will enjoy the privilege of disallowing the decisions of the lower house. This is a model that could be adopted even now in the UN. But what prevents it is the Security Council and the military and national interests of its permanent members - all based on national pride. If the UN is to be an international body, it cannot be forever confined and imprisoned by 5 or so countries nationalistic goals. It makes a mockery of the UN. So what is the first practical implications of a new model? In the first stage this world government may act only as the world body for establishing common legal principles. The world government will be vested with framing the rights of implementation or non-implementation of any particular law in any particular region. This is necessary to ensure that laws that are anti-human (such as so-called Sharia law that stones women to death) do not have practical legitimacy or implementation. In the beginning when the world government is being established, the government of different countries must sign up and agree that they will not have any power to enact any laws arbitrarily. It will not be easy for any government to inflict atrocities on its linguistic, religious, or political minorities according to the whims of the governing majority. Clearly, this concept has already been enacted on a lesser scale (even if minimal) regarding the European Community, and none should be cynical that it is incapable of fruition. It must be established as a basic principle from which work for a real world government can start. Only that will give security to all, for the good and happiness of all. -- Further explanation of the preliminary model To materialize the concept of universalism a world government is necessary. This world government should be a confederation of all the federated states of the world. These federated states will consist of self-sufficient economic units or zones formed entirely on socio-economic and geographical considerations. Economically developed areas have a tendency to exploit economically undeveloped areas and hence federated states should be formed of different units. If we take a concrete example inside India, Vidarbhga, being a Marathi-speaking area, does not want to remain a part of Maharasthra and wants to become a separate state. Another important example is Azarbaizan. The Persian portion of Azarbaizan previously agitated to merge with the Soviet portion of Azarbaizan to ensure economic development. The different units or zones formed in this way may be redefined and renamed for administrative convenience. These units may have certain common factors and these common factors will unite them into federations. In the initial stage, the world government will be a law-making body and the different federations will have executive powers to implement the laws passed by the world government. The federations may or may not fully materialize the laws of the confederation but they must not go against them. The confederation will, however, have some executive power for limited and defined purposes, namely, for maintaining inter-federal peace and tranquillity. This will mean the maintenance of a world militia under the full control of the confederation. The federation and the units will also maintain a police force to ensure internal law and order. The economic units or zones will have governing boards. These boards will form one higher board, which will be called federated boards. These federated boards will govern the different federations. The collection of these federated boards is called the confederated board or body. This body will look after the confederation as a whole, but will not ignore the interests of any federation. PR Sarkar From "Talks on Prout" (1961) Prout in a nutshell 15 -- What will be the benefits and advantages to be enjoyed by people if a global government is formed? Answer: There are several benefits and advantages: - The huge expense of maintaining a militia in each country will be saved and this saving can be used by people for their benefit - Human beings will be saved from psychic tension - There will be less bloodshed - There will be free movement of people from one corner of the globe to the other. Fundamentally, all government structures must abide by the separation of powers doctrine which will, in a modern form, be: * An elected body - for framing policy and supervising the functions of different other branches of government in society. * Legislature - consisting of persons experienced in the work of legislation to frame laws that abide with policies laid down by the elected body. * Executive - consisting of those who are experienced in the work of administration and responsible for getting the policies and laws framed by the legislature materialized and who shall supervise the work of selecting and nominating the personnel who are employed in the bureaucracy (and also supervise the work of the various sub-boards providing expertise in the respective branch of the administration established for different branches of the administration). * Judicial - judges will be elected by those with proven ethical standards and who have a universal outlook which has been put into action for the good and happiness and elevation of all. A judicial board will exist which will consist of persons who are experienced in the work of the judiciary, and will also frame the rules and procedures for the appointment of judges and different personnel of the judiciary. -- Security By P.R. Sarkar Each and every individual wants security given by the State and the demand for security is always increasing. Increased responsibility means increased authority. In ancient times the only duty of the State was to protect people from internal and external chaos. Now, as a result of ever-increasing demands, the responsibility of the State has increased and its authority has also increased. In ancient times no body demanded food or employment from the government. There were no strikes and no public meetings. Now people want the State to realize its responsibility, but they do not want it to interfere in any matter such as civil liberties. PROUT's view is that we must not go against fundamental public interests or against fundamental theory. The fundamental theory is that with increased responsibility the authority of the State should also increase, but while operating its authority the State should not go against public important values. The fundamental public interest is that the minimum requirements of life should be guaranteed. It may be questioned whether it is wise for any government to guarantee the minimum requirements. If the State is to supply cereals, pulses, salt, gram, ghee, butter, etc to all people then naturally the state has to institute some process of control, which people may not like. Hence, the solution is that people should be guaranteed the provision of sufficient purchasing power to meet these minimum requirements. In that case the State need not adopt control measures. But there must be a constitutional and legal obligation on the State to ensure that it does all that is necessary so that the socio-economic structure of society will provide these minimum necessities to all. The State must take ultimate responsibility - otherwise the situation will be that blame will lie with market forces and the State will claim it can do nothing about it. The other disadvantage of guaranteeing the supply of minimum requirements is that if consumable goods are supplied to everyone, people will become lethargic. People must therefore be supplied with purchasing power in exchange for their work according to their physical, psychic or spiritual capacity. Diversity is the law of nature. So there cannot be any hard and fast rule about guaranteed minimum requirements. They will vary according to time, space and person. A few persons with extraordinary physical, metaphysical or intellectual ability may demand something more than ordinary people. Special amenities have to be provided for them. Certain items like food, housing, education, clothing and medical facilities are minimum requirements. Nothing is stationary; everything is moving. So the minimum requirements and special amenities will also undergo changes with the changes in time, space and person. What should be the approach? There should be a never-ending endeavour to minimize the gap between minimum requirements and special amenities. Minimum requirements will take priority over special amenities, but extraordinary persons, ie those who better serve the society, will get more items as special amenities. Unsystematic and unplanned government activities and the planned exploitation by vested interests results in inefficiencies in the economy and problems in social existence. Though there has been inordinately high investment, the purchasing power of labourers has not been sufficient for them to meet the minimum requirements. Hence, while on the one hand labourers received less consumable goods due to less purchasing power, on the other hand entrepreneurs have captured excessive purchasing power and consumable goods causing excessive disparities in wealth. Economic balance has been upset. The major returns on capital investment goes to the entrepreneurs and a microscopic fraction goes to the labourers. The result of this will be that there is a diminishing middle class left because what you actually have is well-dressed labourers who have become the so-called middle class. All are being relegated to a position of lack of purchasing capacity with personal debt mounting. Human unity is purely an ideological unity, which means unity in the psychic sphere. This requires sound fundamental principles forming the base of social and economic actions and policies, based on the deepest intuitive leanings of the human mind and developed by a pinnacled intellect that is motivated by the welfare of all. Where there is psychic unity, physical unity will also occur. In the realm of unity, unity is always mental - ideological unity means unity in the subtlest level of the mind. However, psychic or ideological unity may be affected if we encourage the exploitation of one group by another. So to avoid this there should not be any scope for exploitation in society. And to ensure this we have to start a new order to safeguard the interests of the exploited masses. So for a proper social synthesis what we require is a common philosophy of life; that is, ideological unity. But to check exploitation in the physical sphere requires something more than this, and this something more comprises a common constitutional system, a common penal code, and the availability of the minimum essentialities of life. These matters must be the priorities of all governments and the fundamental initial focus of the UN or a world body or world government. These things should be provided for the entire human society, as they are inter-linked with one another. Up till now these things (philosophy of life, constitutional system, penal code, availability of minimum necessities), were based on people's faith, local manners, customs, usages, etc. Generally local manners and customs do not go against cardinal human principles but sometimes they do go against them and can do so in a drastically cruel way (whether physically or psychically). Accordingly, universal needs and cardinal human values must be recognised worldwide as the foundations of a world community that seeks to elevate all and not the few. From "Talks on Prout" (1961) Prout in a Nutshell 15 -- Those who have a correct philosophy and a correct spiritual outlook based on ethical principles founded on universal or cardinal human values - morality - will be the guiding personalities in the society of tomorrow. It is the duty of conscious people to snatch away the physical power and the intellectual leadership from the hands of political hypocrites. Politicians are of no use to society because they are engaged in the business of mudslinging and nothing else. If spiritual revolutionaries who follow cardinal human values and morality get active mass support, revolution is bound to come. In case a government adopts the ideals of PROUT, the rule of universal vision and cardinal human values will prevail. If the government does not adopt the same, a physical revolution is sure to come, and ultimately power will be transferred to the those who are moral and who share a universal welfare for all on this planet. The motive of the politicians is only to capture power. They befool the public with high-sounding words. Therefore it is necessary that the public should be politically educated, because in that case politicians will not be able to cheat them. The time is sure to come when all their cheating tactics will fail to produce any effect, and the public will snatch away their mask of social service. At present the general mass is not politically conscious. The intelligentsia exploits their ignorance. It is the duty of all progressive thinkers and activists to challenge this so-called intelligentsia. PR Sarkar 20 October 1959, Jamalpur Discourses on Prout