MORAL THINKERS INDIA & WORLD

Swamy Vivekananda was a Hindu monk who played a key role in introducing Hindu philosophies to the Western world. Born in India in 1863, he was a disciple of the famous Indian saint, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Vivekananda’s teachings focused on the unity of different religions and the importance of individual spiritual development. He believed that all religions lead to the same ultimate truth and that it was important for people of different faiths to live together in peace and harmony.

In 1893, Vivekananda gave a famous speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, where he spoke about his vision of a world where all religions were respected and embraced. He became a popular figure in the United States, where he gave lectures and wrote books on Hindu philosophy and spirituality.

Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897, which is dedicated to spreading the teachings of Vedanta, a major school of Hindu philosophy. The mission has since grown to include numerous centers around the world, and is known for its charitable work and educational initiatives.

Swamy Vivekananda’s teachings continue to inspire people around the world, and his message of universal love and understanding remains as relevant today as it was over a century ago.

Swamy Vivekananda on importance of being persistent

Swami Vivekananda, the famous Indian philosopher and spiritual leader, emphasized the importance of being persistent in one’s endeavors. He believed that persistence was a key ingredient in achieving success and reaching one’s goals.

According to Swami Vivekananda, persistence is not just about working hard, but also about having the determination to keep going even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. He believed that those who are persistent are able to overcome challenges and ultimately achieve their desired outcomes.

Swami Vivekananda also believed that persistence was closely linked to self-discipline. He believed that by cultivating the habit of persistence, one could develop the self-discipline necessary to overcome any obstacle and achieve success.

In today’s fast-paced world, where instant gratification is often prioritized over long-term goals, Swami Vivekananda’s message about the importance of being persistent is more relevant than ever. Whether it’s pursuing a career, starting a business, or achieving personal goals, persistence and self-discipline are essential for success.

Chankya’s opinion of a good King

According to Chanakya, a good king is one who is wise, just and fair. He must have the ability to make quick and decisive decisions, but also be patient and thoughtful when needed. A good king should be empathetic and compassionate towards his people, while also being strong and resolute in the face of adversity.

Chanakya believed that a good king must be knowledgeable and well-educated, with a deep understanding of the social, political and economic issues facing his kingdom. He must have a strong sense of morality and be willing to put the needs of his people above his own personal desires.

In addition, a good king should be surrounded by wise and trustworthy advisors who can offer him sound advice and guidance. He must also be willing to listen to the concerns and opinions of his subjects, and be open to constructive criticism.

Ultimately, Chanakya believed that a good king is one who is able to maintain peace and prosperity for his people, while also protecting them from external threats. He must be a leader who inspires loyalty and respect, and who is willing to make sacrifices for the good of his kingdom.

Moral Teachings of Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion that originated in ancient India, and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha. One of the key aspects of Buddhism is the emphasis on moral teachings that aim to help individuals live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

One of the core moral teachings of Buddhism is the concept of the Four Noble Truths. These truths are the foundation of Buddhist philosophy, and outline the nature of suffering and the path to liberation from it. The Four Noble Truths are:

Other important moral teachings of Buddhism include the Five Precepts, which are guidelines for ethical conduct, and the practice of compassion and loving-kindness towards all beings. Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, or being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment, as a means of cultivating wisdom and inner peace.

Overall, Buddhism offers a rich and complex system of moral teachings that can help individuals live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. By following the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and other ethical guidelines, Buddhists aim to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and inner peace, and to live in harmony with the world around them.

Mahavira’s philosophy on ethics is based on the concept of ahimsa, which means non-violence. According to him, all living beings have the right to live and it is our responsibility to protect them from harm. He also believed in the importance of truthfulness, honesty, and self-discipline in achieving spiritual growth.

In addition to ahimsa, Mahavira also taught the principle of aparigraha, which means non-possessiveness. This principle emphasizes the importance of living a simple and minimalist lifestyle, free from material possessions and attachments.

Tiruvalluvar and relevance of his teachings

Tiruvalluvar was a Tamil poet and philosopher who lived in ancient India, believed to have lived sometime between 4th century BCE and 5th century CE. He is best known for his work, Thirukkural, which is considered one of the greatest works of Tamil literature.

Thirukkural is a collection of 1,330 couplets that cover various aspects of life, including ethics, love, governance, and spirituality. The teachings of Tiruvalluvar are still relevant today, as they provide a timeless guide to living a virtuous and fulfilling life.

One of the key teachings of Tiruvalluvar is the importance of treating all individuals with respect and kindness. He believed that one should never harm others and always strive to do good. This message of compassion and empathy is particularly relevant in today’s world, where there is often a lack of understanding and tolerance towards those who are different.

Another important aspect of Tiruvalluvar’s teachings is the emphasis on self-improvement. He believed that one should always strive to better oneself and work towards achieving personal excellence. This message is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced and competitive world, where there is often pressure to succeed at all costs.

Overall, Tiruvalluvar’s teachings continue to inspire and guide people around the world, regardless of their age, gender, or background. His message of compassion, empathy, and self-improvement is as relevant today as it was centuries ago, and serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of living a virtuous and fulfilling life.

Amartya Sen on Youth

Amartya Sen, the renowned Indian economist and philosopher, has expressed his thoughts on the importance of youth in society. Sen believes that the youth play a crucial role in shaping the future of any country.

He argues that young people have the ability to challenge the status quo and bring about positive change. They possess the energy, creativity, and idealism needed to drive progress and innovation. Sen emphasizes that investing in education, healthcare, and other resources that benefit youth is a key factor in building a prosperous and just society.

Moreover, Sen believes that young people have a unique perspective on the world that should be valued and heard. Their experiences and opinions are valuable assets that can inform policymaking and social discourse. He encourages society to create more opportunities for youth to participate in decision-making and civic engagement.

In conclusion, Amartya Sen recognizes the immense potential of young people and advocates for their empowerment and inclusion in all aspects of society.

AUROBINDO GHOSH AND INTERNAL YOGA

Aurobindo Ghosh, also known as Sri Aurobindo, was an Indian philosopher, yogi, and spiritual leader who is known for his contribution to the field of yoga and spirituality. He believed that the purpose of yoga is to attain a higher consciousness and connect with the divine energy that exists within all of us.

Aurobindo Ghosh’s philosophy of yoga is focused on the internal process of transformation rather than the external practices of yoga such as physical postures and breathing exercises. He believed that by cultivating a deep and inner awareness, one can awaken the divine energy within and achieve a state of spiritual liberation.

According to Aurobindo, the practice of yoga involves the purification of the mind, body, and spirit through various forms of meditation, self-reflection, and self-discipline. He emphasized the importance of self-awareness and self-realization as the key to unlocking the true potential of the human spirit.

Aurobindo’s teachings on yoga have had a profound impact on the spiritual traditions of India and beyond. His philosophy continues to inspire millions of people around the world to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the universe.

SARVEPALLI RADHAKRISHNAN ON THE ART OF DIPLOMACY

Diplomacy is an art that requires a delicate balance of negotiation, compromise, and understanding. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned Indian philosopher and statesman, believed that the key to successful diplomacy lies in promoting mutual respect and understanding between nations.

In his view, diplomacy is not merely about achieving one’s own goals, but also about recognizing the needs and interests of others. This requires a willingness to listen, to seek common ground, and to find creative solutions that benefit all parties involved.

Radhakrishnan also emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and dialogue in fostering understanding between nations. He believed that by learning about each other’s traditions, values, and beliefs, nations can build stronger relationships and find peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

Ultimately, Radhakrishnan saw diplomacy as a means of promoting human dignity and advancing the cause of peace. His insights into the art of diplomacy remain relevant today, as nations continue to grapple with complex global challenges and seek to build a more just and equitable world.

MAHATMA GANDHI ON NON-VIOLENCE

Mahatma Gandhi is a well-known figure in the history of India. He is famous for his struggle for India’s independence and his philosophy of non-violence. Gandhi believed that non-violence is the most powerful weapon in the world. He believed that it can bring about a social transformation and change the world.

According to Gandhi, non-violence is not just the absence of violence. It is a positive force that can be used to achieve a greater good. Non-violence is based on the principle of love and compassion. It requires a great deal of courage, patience, and self-discipline.

Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence was deeply rooted in his spiritual beliefs. He believed that all religions teach the same fundamental principles of love, compassion, and non-violence. He also believed that non-violence can be used to resolve conflicts at all levels, from personal to international.

Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence has inspired many people around the world. It has been used by civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela to bring about social change. Gandhi’s teachings continue to be relevant today, as people around the world continue to struggle for peace, justice, and equality.

Socrates on Knowledge and Virtue

Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, believed that knowledge and virtue were intimately connected. He argued that when people have knowledge, they naturally act virtuously. In other words, knowledge is necessary for virtue.

Socrates believed that knowledge was not just about learning facts or memorizing information. Instead, he believed that true knowledge was about understanding the nature of things and making good judgments about how to act in the world.

For Socrates, virtue was not just about doing good things. It was about having a good character, which meant being honest, just, and courageous. He believed that people who were virtuous had a sense of inner peace and calm, and were able to live a life of happiness and fulfillment.

Socrates also believed that the pursuit of knowledge and virtue was a lifelong journey. He believed that people should always be striving to learn more and to become better people. He famously said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

In conclusion, Socrates believed that knowledge and virtue were essential for living a good life. He believed that people who had knowledge and acted virtuously were able to live a life of happiness and fulfillment.

Plato’s Philosophy

Plato was a philosopher who lived in ancient Greece. He was a student of Socrates, another famous philosopher, and went on to become one of the most influential philosophers of all time. Plato’s philosophy focused on a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, metaphysics, and epistemology.

One of Plato’s most famous works is The Republic, in which he discusses his ideas about the ideal society. He believed that society should be ruled by philosopher-kings, who would have the wisdom and knowledge to make fair and just decisions. Plato also believed in the concept of Forms, which are abstract ideas that exist outside of the physical world.

Plato’s philosophy has had a profound impact on Western thought and has influenced many other philosophers throughout history. His ideas continue to be studied and debated to this day, and his legacy as one of the greatest thinkers of all time remains secure.

Plato on Soul

Plato was a philosopher who believed in the concept of the soul. According to him, the soul was the most important aspect of a human being, and it was responsible for all their thoughts, emotions, and actions. Plato believed that the soul was immortal and that it existed before and after a person’s life on earth.

Plato’s theory of the soul was closely related to his theory of forms. He believed that the soul was able to perceive the forms of things that existed outside the physical world. These forms were perfect and unchanging, and the soul was able to recognize them because it had an innate knowledge of them.

Plato also believed in the tripartite nature of the soul. He believed that the soul had three parts: the rational part, the spirited part, and the appetitive part. The rational part was responsible for reasoning and thinking, the spirited part was responsible for emotions and courage, and the appetitive part was responsible for desires and pleasures.

Plato believed that the ultimate goal of human life was to achieve harmony and balance between these three parts of the soul. When a person was able to achieve this balance, they were able to live a virtuous life and achieve true happiness.

Overall, Plato’s theory of the soul was a complex and sophisticated one that has had a profound impact on Western philosophy and thought.

Aristotle and his Golden Mean

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who lived from 384-322 BCE. He was a student of Plato and the teacher of Alexander the Great. One of Aristotle’s most famous ideas is the concept of the “Golden Mean.”

The Golden Mean is the idea that virtue lies in the middle of two extremes. Aristotle believed that every virtue has two vices, one of excess and one of deficiency. For example, courage is the virtue that lies between cowardice and recklessness. To be truly courageous, one must find the right balance between being too fearful and too bold.

Aristotle believed that finding the Golden Mean was not an easy task. It requires wisdom, self-awareness, and good judgment. However, he believed that it was the key to living a virtuous life.

The concept of the Golden Mean can be applied to many areas of life, including relationships, work, and personal development. By striving to find the right balance between two extremes, we can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

In summary, Aristotle’s Golden Mean is the idea that virtue lies in the middle of two extremes. By finding the right balance, we can live a virtuous life.

Karl Marx opinion on Capitalism

Karl Marx, a German philosopher and economist, was a strong critic of capitalism. He believed that capitalism was an exploitative economic system that benefited the wealthy few at the expense of the working class. Marx argued that capitalism created a class struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (working class).

Marx believed that capitalism alienated workers from their labor, as they were forced to sell their labor to capitalists in order to survive. He also criticized the unequal distribution of wealth in capitalism, which he believed led to social inequality and economic instability.

Marx’s solution to the problems of capitalism was socialism, a system in which the means of production would be owned collectively and operated for the benefit of all. He believed that socialism would eliminate the exploitation of the working class and create a more equal society.

Despite Marx’s criticisms of capitalism, his ideas have had a lasting impact on economic and political thought. Many modern economists and social theorists continue to debate the merits and drawbacks of capitalism and socialism, and the role of the state in regulating the economy.

John Stuart Mill on diversity of opinion

John Stuart Mill was a 19th-century British philosopher who is best known for his contribution to the development of liberalism. He believed that diversity of opinion was essential for the progress of society and that it was important to encourage the free exchange of ideas. In his famous essay “On Liberty,” Mill wrote:

“The human mind is capable of being led and influenced by the most various and contradictory opinions and feelings; and it is the mark of a mature mind to be able to entertain an idea without necessarily accepting it. Those who are not capable of this have not yet reached the level of intellectual and moral development necessary for self-government and progress.”

Mill believed that diversity of opinion was not just a desirable outcome, but a necessary condition for the advancement of knowledge and the improvement of society. He argued that it was through the clash of ideas and the testing of arguments that the truth could be discovered, and that this could only happen in an environment of free expression and debate.

Mill’s ideas on diversity of opinion are still relevant today, and his defense of free speech and open inquiry remains a powerful argument for the importance of intellectual freedom and the value of pluralism. In a world where people are increasingly divided by ideology and partisanship, Mill’s vision of a society that embraces diversity of opinion and tolerates dissent is more important than ever.

Max Weber on Religion

Max Weber, a prominent sociologist and philosopher, had a great interest in the role of religion in society. He believed that religion played a significant role in shaping the values and beliefs of individuals and therefore had an impact on society as a whole. Weber’s most famous work on religion is his book “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism”, in which he argues that Protestantism played a crucial role in the development of capitalism in the Western world.

Weber believed that the Protestant work ethic, which emphasized hard work, thrift, and frugality, was a key factor in the rise of capitalism. Protestants believed that hard work and success were signs of God’s favor and therefore saw it as their duty to work hard and accumulate wealth. This led to the development of a capitalist spirit, which emphasized the pursuit of profit and economic growth.

However, Weber did not believe that religion was the only factor in the development of capitalism. He argued that there were also economic and political factors at play, such as the growth of international trade and the rise of the nation-state.

Overall, Weber’s work on religion has had a significant impact on the field of sociology and continues to be studied and debated today.

Adam Smith & his Theory on Role of Government in Economy

Adam Smith was a Scottish economist who lived in the 18th century and is widely considered to be the father of modern economics. His most famous work is “The Wealth of Nations,” which was published in 1776. In this work, Smith argued that the government should take a hands-off approach to the economy. He believed that the economy would function best without interference from the government.

Smith’s theory on the role of government in the economy is based on the idea of the free market. He believed that when individuals are free to pursue their own interests, they will naturally seek out the most efficient and productive ways of doing things. In a free market, the forces of supply and demand determine prices and the allocation of resources.

According to Smith, the government’s role in the economy should be limited to ensuring that the market operates fairly and efficiently. This includes establishing and enforcing property rights, regulating monopolies, and providing public goods such as infrastructure and education. Smith also believed that the government should not interfere with international trade.

Overall, Smith’s theory on the role of government in the economy is still influential today. Many economists believe that a free market approach is the most efficient way to allocate resources and promote economic growth. However, there is ongoing debate about the appropriate level of government intervention in the economy, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.

Emmanuel Kant on Nature of Realty

Emmanuel Kant, one of the most prominent philosophers of the 18th century, had some interesting ideas on the nature of reality. He believed that reality was shaped both by our perception and the world itself.

According to Kant, our senses cannot provide us with a complete understanding of the world. While they allow us to perceive the world around us, they do so in a subjective way – influenced by our experiences, knowledge, and beliefs. This means that what we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell is not an accurate representation of the world as it truly is.

Kant argued that there is a fundamental difference between the world as we experience it and the world as it really is. The world as it really is exists independently of our perception of it and is governed by objective laws. These laws are not determined by our subjective experiences, but rather by the nature of reality itself.

Kant believed that our perception of reality is shaped by certain innate mental structures. These structures are not learned, but rather are part of our nature as human beings. They allow us to organize sensory information and make sense of the world around us.

Overall, Kant’s ideas on the nature of reality are complex and often difficult to understand. However, they have had a profound impact on philosophy and continue to be studied and debated by scholars today.

Emmanuel Kant on Existence of God