---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: anandamargii
Date: Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:57:44 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Fwd: PROUT Basics
To:
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From: Dharmadeva
Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2002 12:48:42 -0800 (PST)
Subject: PROUT Basics
To:
PROUT
* Spirituality and Progress
* Neo-Humanistic Worldview
* Maximum Utilization of resources
* Economic Democracy
* Peoples Economy
* Basic Necessities Guarenteed to All
* Benevolent Leadership
* Freedom
* Cultural Diversity
* Women's Rights
* Science and Technology
* World Government
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PROUT is an acronym for PROgressive Utilization Theory, a socio-
economic
philosophy that synthesizes the physical, mental and spiritual
dimensions of
human nature. The goal of PROUT is to provide guidance for the
evolution of
a truly progressive human society.
PROUT is an alternative to the outmoded capitalist and communist
socio-economic paradigms. Neither of these approaches had adequately
met the
physical, mental and spiritual needs of humanity. PROUT seeks a
harmonious
balance between economic growth, social development and environmental
sustainability, between individual and collective interests.
Combining the wisdom of spirituality, with a universal outlook and the
struggle for self-reliance, PROUTists are creating a new
civilizational
discourse and planting the seeds for a new way of living. A few basic
tenets
of PROUT are:
Utilization and Rational Distribution
Prout advocates the maximum utilisation of all resources - physical,
mental,
metaphysical and spiritual, of both the individual and society. It
also
believes in rational distribution of these resources. Not equal
distribution.
While everyone is given the basics of life in exchange for adequate
labour,
the meritorious are rewarded with extra resources.This is to enhance
their
work and inspire others to achieve excellence in their chosen field of
work.
Spirituality and Progress
Human beings are on the path from animality to Divinity. True progress
is
movement toward inner spiritual fulfillment. Material or intellectual
gains
do not necessarily constitute progress unless they contribute to this
deeper
well-being. The progressive bearing of a society can only be
maintained by
making continual adjustments in the use of physical resources and
mental
potentialities in accordance with spiritual and Neo-humanistic values.
As
human beings we should construct our economic and social institutions
to
facilitate the attainment of our highest potentiality.
Neo-Humanistic Worldview
Neo-humanism expands the humanistic love for all human beings to
include all
of creation -- plants, animals and even inanimate objects. Neo-
humanism
provides a philosophical basis for building a new era of ecological
balance
and human kinship.
Economic Democracy
PROUT advocates economic democracy based upon local economic planning,
cooperatively managed businesses, local governmental control of
natural
resources and key industries, and socially agreed upon limits on the
individual accumulation of wealth. Only by decentralizing the economy
and
putting decision-making power in the hands of local people can we
ensure the
availability of food, shelter, clothing, health care and education for
all.
This is also the only way to ensure that the ecological systems of the
earth
are not exploited beyond their capacity to renew themselves.
Environmental
stewardship is a requisite for people who are dependent upon these
systems
for their own survival and well-being.
Basic Necessities Guaranteed to All
The basic necessities of life should be guaranteed to all as a birth
right
at this stage in human evolution. People cannot attain their highest
human
potential if they lack food, shelter, clothing, health care and
education.
Meaningful employment with a minimum salary must be planned to ensure
adequate purchasing capacity for the basic necessities. The standard
of
guaranteed minimum necessities should advance with increases in the
economy'
s productive capacity.
Along with a minimum wage there should be a maximum wage, set at a
rate to
the minimum For example, the maximum wage be no more than 10 times
that of
the minimum wage, thereby eradicating extreme forms of poverty and
wealth.
Leadership
For a benevolent society, it is essential that leaders be morally
principled
and dedicated to serving society as part of their personal progress.
Authority should not be centered in the hands of individuals, but
should be
expressed through collective leadership. The viability of political
democracy rests on an electorate possessing three factors: 1)
education, 2)
socio-economic consciousness, 3) moral integrity. Otherwise democracy
becomes a cunning tool for exploiting and manipulating the masses.
Freedom
Individuals should have complete freedom to acquire and express their
ideas,
creative potential and inner aspirations. Such intellectual and
spiritual
freedom will strengthen the collectivity. Restrictions should only be
placed
on actions clearly detrimental to the welfare of others. Constraints
need to
be placed on the accumulation of physical wealth, therefore, as
excessive
accumulation by a few results in the deprivation of many.
Cultural Diversity
In the spirit of universal fellowship, PROUT encourages the protection
and
cultivation of local culture, language, history and tradition. For
social
justice and a healthy social order, individual and cultural diversity
must
be accepted and encouraged.
Women's Rights
PROUT encourages the struggle against all forms of violence and
exploitation
used to suppress women. PROUT's goal is coordinated cooperation, with
equal
rights between men and women. PROUT seeks the economic, social and
spiritual
empowerment of women throughout the world.
Science and Technology
Scientific knowledge and technology are potential assets to humanity.
Through their proper use, the physical hardships of life decreases and
knowledge is gained about the secrets of life. Time is freed for
cultural
and spiritual pursuits. However, the development and utilization of
scientific knowledge must come under the guidance of spiritual and
Neo-humanist values and moral leadership. Without this, technology
gets
abused by profiteers and the power-hungry, resulting in destruction
and
exploitation.
World Government
PROUT supports the creation of a world governance system having a
global
bill of rights, global constitution and common penal code in order to
guarantee the fundamental rights of all individuals and nations, and
to
settle regional and international disputes. As the economy becomes
decentralized, it becomes more advantageous to have a central
political
system.
For more on Prout visit their website: www.prout.org
--
'The main characteristic of PROUT-based socioeconomic movements
is that they aim to guarantee the comprehensive, multifarious
liberation of humanity.' P R Sarkar
PROUT - PROgressive Utilisation Theory
http://www.proutworld.org http://www.prout.org
New Renaissance: A Journal for Social and Spiritual Awakening:
http://www.ru.org
