Reflection upon Reawakening East - Summary

SUMMARY

The re-awakening of the east was a huge movement, some two thousand years ago. Power changed hands from the East to the West, throughout this period. In the earliest history, the East dominated the world. Its supremacy was not only military but science, philosophy, poetry and the arts all flourished in China and the Muslim world whereas Europe was sunk in The Dark Ages.

The writer feels as the east is re-awakening, a time may come, when it may take a lead in world politics. In the author’s view, Russian communism is a great threat to Asia. Communism is the most dangerous form of imperialism.

In order to face this danger, the writer thinks that Asia should be industrialized. In, his opinion, industrialization is & source of power and therefore it is necessary for progress. Science and machinery are necessary too for development and progress. But the writer advises Asia to use science for peaceful purposes and not to make weapons of war.

Another thing that can save Asia from communism is, its own traditional culture So, Asia should take pains to preserve their own culture, while the good features of the western civilization, may also be adopted.

According to Russell, there are three clear civilizations in Asia- that of Islam, that of India and that of China. Each is very rich in its culture. They should maintain their culture. There should be no attempt at cultural uniformity. Science and machinery are necessary for progress, but not at the cost of traditional culture as was done in Europe.

If life is to be happy, it should not become mechanized. It should have music, poetry, art and love and the simple joys of life. These things are forgotten by communism, as well as those, who think themselves to be in the forefront of progress.

The writer feels that Asia will be able to preserve its independence because the world is divided into two hostile camps. But Asia should not copy the mistakes of the west.

The west achieved its present position of progress because of sciences. But all this development, which should have added to human happiness has been defeated because of one fatal fault— “the love of power over other human beings” The writer’s advice to Asia is, that, it should not use power for conquering weaker nations It should learn to have mutual self-respect.

The writer hopes, perhaps some Asia countries will have learned this lesson. On the other hand, some will have only learned to copy the cruel western rulers, who are bringing the west to disaster (because of the two world wars).