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MAHAVIRA AND ECONOMICS
135
Earlier, each class was joyfully busy in its own respective occupation. The farmer's son used to do farming; the son of a potter used to make earthen pots, the son of a blacksmith used to do blacksmithy. All were occupied in their respective vocations. The level of education went up and with that, change started taking place in the social environment. After getting educated, people started going away from their family occupations. This gave rise to reluctance in joining the traditional occupations. The village started running towards the city. All this is the result of modern education.
Of Security and Cooperation Another question is of security and cooperation. Who provides security to whom? In this world, nobody can protect anybody else. Everybody protects one's own self-interest. Devoid of selfinterest, the father does not protect his son; the son does not serve his father. When will this selfish tendency be over? As long as infatuation, anger, avarice and attachment persist in the world, selfishness will also remain. To one who possessed billions worth of wealth but lying on the verge of death, the adopted son said : “You are calling me, but is the rich man really on the verge of death? If he is about to die then I may come, otherwise I have no time." There is nobody to take care of the rich man who is on the verge of death. Then who protects whom? Thanks to our preachers that they made us unconcerned about protection. Of course, even the smallest of the small and worthless.saints are served. Why is this service offered? Not to please the preacher; it is for the blessing.
Under conditions of famine, when cattle-wealth starts diminishing, voice is raised from all sides for its protection, for supply of water and grass for them. What for? Not for the cattle but for the people who own and benefit from them. If the cattle die, wherefrom will come milk, curd, butter? How will farming be done? The entire thing is motivated by self-interest. Famine and conditions of scarcity occur only now and then. But man has been experiencing scarcity all the time. Millions of people are struggling for food and water. In reality, there is no scarcity. There is only a man-made scarcity and suffering.
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