Beyond Collectivism and Individualism: ProutCompared with Capitalism and Communism
To distinguish Prout clearly from communism and capitalism, the significantdifferences between these respective systems are reviewed below.
1) Human development.
Human development under communism is primarilyconcerned with the political and economic spheres of life. Under capitalism thereis a pluralistic expression of personal freedom, with no clear conception of human potentiality. Prout promotes the integrated development of the full humanpersonality.
2) Freedom.
Human liberty under communism is limited by the primacy of theinterests of the state Under capitalism, a licentious freedom of expression ispermitted, but not a freedom from want and material insecurity. In practice,capitalist societies will restrict freedom of expression when this expressionchallenges the interests of capital. Prout grants full freedom of psychic andspiritual expression, but recognizes the need for society to place limits onindividual hoarding of wealth. Without this limitation, collective interests will beviolated and universal freedom from want cannot be guaranteed.
3) Privileged interests.
Communism privileges the interests of the party andstate. Capitalism gives primacy to property rights, and thus privileges the classcontrolling capital Prout gives central importance to promoting the commonwelfare while protecting ecological integrity.
4) Progress.
Both communism and capitalism regard material development asthe basis of progress. Prout defines progress as the increase in inner fulfillmentof individuals. While this is primarily a spiritual conception of progress, Proutrecognizes that material development is necessary as a foundation for seekingspiritual fulfillment.
5) Culture.
Communism compels culture to be consistent with state ideology.Under capitalism, mass culture primarily serves commercial interests. As a result,it is creative but not authentic, energetic but often destructive of higher values.Prout sees need for culture to emerge out of regional and ethnic experience, andfor these diverse cultures to instill values which give empower the humanpsyche.
6) Motivation.
Communism emphasizes income equality at the expense of individual productivity. Capitalism?s system of incentives motivates highproductivity, but the excess of its monetary rewards wastes collective wealth,encourages greed, and disrupts social unity. Prout strives for balance:maximizing the efficacy of incentive while minimizing social inequality.
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