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CHAPTER XX
RELEVANCE OF JAINISM TO
MODERN THOUGHT
Today we are living in a world of science. Science has dispelled many traditional beliefs and primitive superstitions. It has increased immensely man's sense of human power. The industrial revolution has changed the values of life and has brought in misery in countries like India which are essentially agricultural both in resources and production. The handicraftsmen have been thrown out of work by the machines and the rural workers have been compelled to migrate to the towns. In the industrial areas, the trade unions and strikes have been clamouring for more wages and disturbing peaceful life in cities. Inspite of all the best efforts of the States, poverty still continues to dog the path of majority of the people in our country. The population continues to increase; if the present rate of increase persists, there will be two groups in society, one group of the poor with increasing population and the other of the rich with stationary population.
Everything turns on politics. Normal life of the country is dominated by politicians and power seekers. The panchayats and the Municipal Councils which have become the play grounds of political powers have brought into public life more evils than good. Black-marketing, adultration, smuggling and corruption in various forms have become the order of the day. Honestlife has been becoming more difficult, if it is not a life of suffering. Educational
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