Creating a harmonious society that values individual freedom, cultural diversity, and holistic development, while promoting social justice and environmental sustainability.
Integral Humanism is a political ideology that emphasizes the simultaneous and harmonious development of the body, mind, intellect, and soul of human beings. It is a holistic approach to human development that seeks to balance material progress with spiritual growth, and individual freedom with social responsibility. The ideology asserts that the human being is an integral part of society, the nation, and the universe, and that all aspects of human life are interconnected and interdependent.
The concept of Integral Humanism was first articulated by French philosopher Jacques Maritain in the mid-20th century. Maritain was a prominent Catholic thinker who sought to reconcile Christian faith with modern democracy and human rights. He argued that a truly humanistic society must respect the dignity and freedom of every individual, but also promote the common good and social justice. Maritain's ideas influenced several political movements and leaders around the world, including the Christian Democratic parties in Europe and Latin America.
In India, the concept of Integral Humanism was further developed by Deendayal Upadhyaya, a leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the forerunner of the current ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party. Upadhyaya proposed a model of development that is rooted in Indian culture and values, and that seeks to harmonize material prosperity with spiritual well-being. His philosophy has been adopted as the official ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Integral Humanism rejects both the materialistic view of life, as represented by Marxism and capitalism, and the purely spiritual view, as represented by certain religious traditions. It argues for a balanced and integrated approach to human development that takes into account all dimensions of human life: physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual. It also emphasizes the importance of community, social solidarity, and national identity, while respecting individual freedom and diversity.
In recent years, the concept of Integral Humanism has gained renewed attention as a potential alternative to neoliberal capitalism and state socialism. It offers a vision of a more humane, equitable, and sustainable society, where economic growth is balanced with social justice, and individual rights are balanced with social responsibilities. However, the practical implementation of this ideology remains a challenge, as it requires a fundamental transformation of existing social, economic, and political structures.
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