REFLECTIONS ON THE RE AWAKENING EAST
By: Bertrand Russell
One of the most outstanding writers and thinkers off our time, Bertrand Russell was born in 1872. He inherited an earl dom but did not make use of his title. Before becoming famous as a writer, he has an eminent mathematician and philosopher. Beginning with Principia Mathematica he has written many books on philosophy and mathematics. His more popular works have been notable for their introduction of scientific attitudes into the discussion of politics and sociology. Since the second world war he has been greatly preoccupied with the nuclear threat to mankind and has been a warm advocate of technical aid to Asian countries. His recent books of general interest include New Hopes for a changing World, The impact of science on society and human society in ethics and politics.
The Re-Awakening of the East is one of those enormous movements that can only be properly understood when viewed in a wide historical perspective. Alterations of power between East and West have occurred throughout the last two thousand years and more. In the earliest history, the East , predominated. It was more civilised and more powerful than the West. The West, however acquired the lead in civilisation with the rise of Greece and in power, with the conquest of Alexander. From that time until the fall of Rome, that is to stay for some seven or eight centuries, the west was dominated both in power and in culture. It lost this position through the wars between Romans and Germans: the German succeeded in destroying the Roman power, but not in acquiring a similar position for themselves. With the West thus enfeebled, leadership in power and culture passed to the East. Very large parts of what had been the Roman empire were conquered by Islam, which in the great days of the caliphate had an Empire considerably larger than that of Rome in its greatest days. The Chinese Empire during the early part of the Tang dynasty was equally glorious and almost equally extensive. The supremacy of the East was not only Military but science, philosophy, poetry, and the arts also flourished in china and the Muhammadan world at a time when Europ was sunk in barbarism. Europeans, with unpardonable insularity, call this period " The Dark Ages " But it was only in Europe that it was dark indeed only in Christian Europe, for Spain, which was Muhammadan, had a brilliant culture. The western world, however, gradually climbed out of the abyss of barbarism Columbus and Vasco da Gama were the pioneers of the new western imperialism and scientific techniques was it main weapon.
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The East, which had led the World in science before the rise of Greece and after the fall of Rome, was completely out distanced by the West from the beginning of the sixteenth Century on words. Western conquest, or, at the very least , western influences become dominant throughout the world. When I was young, everybody in the West accept this domination as a matter of course and as something likely to continue indefinitely. In this expectation as very one can now see, the West was mistaken. Once again as at the time of fall of Rome, wars between Germans and other Occidentals so enfeebled Europe that it was no longer able to hold Asia in subjection. It is now Europe whose freedom is threatened by the alliance of Moscow with Peking.
This is a new fact which I think that even Asia has not yet adequately realized. For centuries Asia has suffered under the insolence of the white man. I have myself seen this insolence Displayed in ways that made my blood boil and that, if I had been an Asian and not a European, would have roused me to fury. This long experience of European domination has naturally produced a mood of resistance and, has always happen in such cases, there is a danger last fight for independence should become a desire for conquest.
There are it is true, some remnants of white imperialism to be swept away. The French of reluctant to abandon their claims in indo-China, the British cling to Malaysia and still hope to salvage something in western ASIA and Egypt and the Sudan. But, in a large view, it is clear that what remains of European power in Asia is doomed. No one can seriously suppose that western Europe can long Retain such shreds of power as remain to it in Asia. Nor does it seem probable that American imperialism will be able to replace that of western Europe.
There is no only one imperialism which now offers any menace to Asia. It that of Russia. The traditions of civilisation in Asia are ancient and glorious. I don't wish to see them wiped out as I fear is happening in China, by a degraded from of western culture. Communism, though this not widely recognized either in the East or in the West, the most modern and most virulent from of western imperialism. Its philosophy is German and it's regime is imposed by military force. If the Re-Awakening of were to take the form of subjection to communism, there would be little in it that could be welcomed by any friend of humanity or civilization.
What then should an enlightened and impartial spectator hope as regards to development of Asia? There are some things which though in many ways regrettable, it is necessary to accept as conditions of survival in the modern world. The most important of these is the growth of industrialism. The power of England early in the Nineteenth century was based upon a virtual monopoly of machine productions , the power of Russia and the United states in the present day due to their supremacy in this respect. It is useless to talk against mechanization, becomes it is the source of power and becomes those who lag behind have difficulty in preserving independence.
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Complete Essay on the :
REFLECTIONS ON THE RE AWAKENING EAST
East: Re-awakening, Culture, Spirituality
The East has always been a fascinating and enigmatic part of the world, with a rich history, culture, and spirituality that has captivated the imaginations of people for centuries. In recent years, however, we have seen a resurgence of interest in the East, as people around the world have begun to rediscover the wisdom, beauty, and power of this ancient and mysterious land.
One of the most striking things about the re-awakening of the East is the way in which it is being driven by a growing sense of curiosity and openness among people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it is through travel, study, or simply the pursuit of knowledge, more and more people are turning to the East as a source of inspiration, guidance, and insight.
This renewed interest in the East is also being fueled by a growing awareness of the importance of Eastern philosophy, spirituality, and culture in our modern world. From mindfulness and meditation practices to the ancient teachings of Buddhism and Taoism, the East has much to offer in terms of wisdom, guidance, and understanding.
About the East
At the same time, however, it is important to remember that the East is not a monolithic entity, but rather a diverse and complex region made up of many different nations, cultures, and traditions. As we explore and learn more about the East, it is important to approach it with an open mind and a sense of respect, recognizing that there is no one "right" way to understand or experience this part of the world.
Reminder
Ultimately, the re-awakening of the East is a reminder of the power of curiosity, openness, and respect in our lives. By turning to the East, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us, and find the wisdom, beauty, and inspiration that we need to live our lives to the fullest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The re-awakening of the East is a reflection of our innate human desire to seek knowledge and understanding of the world around us, and in the East we can find a wealth of wisdom, culture and spirituality that can bring richness to our lives. As we continue to explore this fascinating region, it is important to remember to approach it with an open mind and a sense of respect, and to recognize that there is no one "right" way to understand or experience the East.
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