Society is the ultimate in human evolution. We live in a cohesive society that meets all human needs, whether natural or nurtured. Cohesion is the most important factor of coexistence. The philosophy of coexistence is not a matter of debate but of truth. Few of us really question the mechanics of our world and the society we live in. Cohesion and coexistence paved the way for human evolution and eventual dominance of the planet. In earlier evolutionary phases of humanity, the acceptance of the uniqueness of the individual paved the way for our development and progress. Human beings tend to look to nature for inspiration and to emulate what is worthy. Tool use or body hygiene may have been picked up from crows and cats. The use of refuges could have been forced by nature and its whims, but the selection of the domicile would have been influenced by the cave-dwelling animals. The plumage and cosmetics may be the result of observing the mating rituals of birds, although the opposite sex in humans got into the habit. Whatever scenario was set and played out, humans were adaptable and agreeable to other humans. The animal kingdom had its own strict and rigid values that limited individual development. Humans differed from animals in that basic sense. The animals had to toe the line or become an outcast. Humans accepted singular and distinctive tendencies and assimilated all the positive (and some negative) traits into our culture. The basic philosophy of coexistence was established in the character.
It is easy to make assumptions and deliberate on the subject. However, ‘however’ is a constant in human evolution. We progressed from the stone age to rocket science, however, the progress had its consequences. We unravel the secret of DNA and cross the space barrier. However, we are still battling diseases like cancer and AIDS. The world has shrunk due to supersonic travel and broadband. However, we still have to get used to different beliefs and cultures. Pizza and sushi are ubiquitous, yet we must still adopt family values or filial duties from the same cultures. Yoga and acupuncture are common practices, however, we have yet to assimilate the collectivity into our systems. Equality and equal conditions are accepted as a fundamental right throughout the world. However, we still have to abandon caste, class and gender discrimination.
Next in line with the philosophy of coexistence is the medium of exchange. The proverb ‘money is the root of all evil’ does not stem from greed. Money or currency created isolated pockets of humanity. When the exchange was through barter, the interaction was inevitable. Cohesion had meaning and only a cohesive society could exist under ideal conditions. When the medium of exchange was invented and put into practice, humanity changed its behavior. He created classes and creeds. Humanity lost its cohesion and the philosophy of coexistence turned upside down. It became coexistence between rich and poor. Change was inevitable considering the human tendency to change. However, the change became the ‘root of all evil’. Discrimination became widespread and humanity was lost or took on a different meaning. The philosophy of coexistence became that of servitude and that of the lords. It wasn’t really coexistence but conformity. The world’s population became attuned to distinctive lifestyles.
The true philosophy of coexistence is the ability to accept different beliefs. Humanity developed the sense of Super Being since time immemorial. The original beliefs were about the unexplained. Later this was refined into principles and doctrines. The article spread beliefs that were logical and credible in the existing circumstances. Arguments and postulates leaked to commoners through reiterations and repetitions. Charisma and personality played their part in bringing cohesion to localized societies. However, this turned out to be a detriment to the philosophy of coexistence. Different beliefs found it difficult to adapt to other ways of life. Conflicts arose between different beliefs. One tried to dominate another and led to the crusades. Two cultures stand out in this. Sanathan Dharma and Shinto were oriented towards oneness with nature and peaceful coexistence. These dogmas ignored human diversity and accepted the universal truth of oneness. The philosophy of coexistence does not depend on give and take but on acceptance.
