Economics of Mahaveera

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Adarsh Sahitya Sangh

Page 67

economics or political science, all are interlinked with one another. If we consider only one aspect and ignore other aspects, then the right solution will never be found.
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Individual Interest vs. Social Interest
There is no doubt that the main objective of Modern Economics has been that everybody gets food, clothing. and a house. Nobody remains hungry and without means for the basic physical needs. Towards this end, capitalism found out an inspiring principle man is a selfish being. He would do things if he is inspired by self-interest. Communism found another inspiring principle man is a social being. Society is an inspiration for him. Both these are one-sided views. It is true that man is selfish, but he is not just selfish, he is also social. It is true that man is faithful to the society, but he is not only faithful to the society, he is selfish as well. If both these principles were harmonised, then it would give rise to a new Economics. Under that configuration, there would be motivation for self-interest but there will also be social inspiration. In other words, there has to be a amalgam of both, and that amalgam would provide the solution of the present-day problems.
Comforts, Peace and Happiness
While it is true that the concepts of modern Economics has tended to make man more prosperous, it has also to be confined that it has made him less happy. Satisfaction of needs, peace and happiness must produce a new amalgam. When articles of consumption become available, needs get satisfied, and some amount of mental peace and happiness are also gained. If all these are assured then the process is complete. Economics which is needed today is the one which can make all these three available. This will not impinge on the interest of others. Economics which makes the articles of consumption satisfy the needs of the people, but at the same time disturbs peace and happiness is not desirable. If, along with the satisfaction of needs, peace and happiness are also generated, then alone it is a