________________
142
The canvas of life is larger than the ‘self
and brotherhood." But remember that brotherhood is born and develops in a place where collective and social impulses have developed in individuals. A scholar once said, "Socialism works in two places - in beehives and anthills." What this means is that honeybees and ants have strong collective social structures. Karl Marx has said that socialism aims to take man from helplessness to the world of independence. Thus we see differing views on socialism. But still we have to think about what socialism offers to society and the inherent need for every society to adopt it in today's world.
So what is socialism? This question is answered by calling it an ideal, a perspective and a way of life. In the present era, particularly in politics, socialism is a belief, a vibrant human revolution. If its political structure, as conceived by its believers and followers can be established in its true form in society, it will be a great blessing, never a curse. What does socialism require? This question is answered by saying that the basic requirement of socialism is to create a system whereby there is equal and fair distribution of land and property. It desires that society as a collective whole shares equal responsibility and power. The aim of socialism is the establishment of a classless society. It aims to organize society in a manner that will end the exploitation of one class by another, so that society will become a congregation of individuals based on co-operation and coexistence, where the progress of one individual will naturally mean the progress of another - where all will live together as a collective group. Socialism always prioritizes the collective rather than the individual. It ends exploitation of all kinds and ensures advancement of all.
I do not want you to think that I am justifying socialism as a political policy to you. Today's age is the age of politics. Therefore, it has become a common practice to look at every principle from a political perspective. This does not mean that socialism did not exist before this era. The kings in the times of Mahāvīra and Buddha were democratic in their approach to governance. Republicanism is an ancient form of socialism. In the present era, Mahatma Gandhi established sarvodaya and
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
