Presents ”Onward“ with Assumpta and Tsasi; A Special edition coming on Monday,22nd April, 2024 at: assumptagh.live/
African Stream:
Published: “BREAKING DOWN THE ILLUSION ; Unveiling the Reality of Sociopolitical Abstraction.
REVIEW:
The passage provides a thought-provoking critique of contemporary Sociopolitical and economic structures, drawing attention to the pervasive influence of wealth and power on society. By referencing Gabriel Marcel, who was a French philosopher who was influential in the existentialist movement. He focused on themes such as human existence, communication, and the importance of personal relationships. His work often explored the nature of love, faith, and the human experience.
Gabriel Marcel’s concept of the “spirit of abstraction,” delves into the psychological and philosophical dimensions underlying societal inequalities. The analogy of currency as a “virtual reality” effectively challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of money and its impact on human relationships and well-being. Furthermore, the mention of oppressive economic conditions in Africa adds a global perspective to the discussion, highlighting the interconnectedness of systemic injustices. Overall, the passage encourages critical reflection on the prevailing socio-economic order and calls for a reevaluation of our values and priorities as a society.
OVERVIEW:
The passage critiques the dominance of the wealthy elite in society, using Marcel’s concept of the “spirit of abstraction” to highlight the detachment from human suffering. It questions whether society has become too focused on currency, viewing it as a virtual reality that obscures real human experiences. The reference to oppressive economic conditions in Africa broadens the scope of the critique, urging readers to reconsider systemic inequalities globally. Overall, it prompts reflection on the need to prioritize human values over abstract economic forces.
INTRODUCTION:
The introduction sets the stage for a critical examination of contemporary socio-political and economic dynamics. It suggests that the common people are working for the benefit of the wealthy elite, who prioritise wealth accumulation over the well-being of society. Drawing from Marcel’s concept of the “spirit of abstraction,” it hints at the psychological and philosophical underpinnings of societal inequalities. The mention of oppressive economic conditions in Africa serves as a poignant example of the global implications of these issues. Overall, the introduction invites readers to engage with a nuanced exploration of power, wealth, and human values in modern society.
ASSUMPTA :To explore Marcel’s perspective on abstraction and its implications, my question is to ask:
“How does Marcel define the ‘spirit of abstraction,’ and what does he suggest about its role in shaping societal dynamics and perceptions?” This question invites our discussion on Marcel’s conceptualization of abstraction and its influence on societal structures and values.
TSASI : Certainly! Marcel’s concept of the “spirit of abstraction” revolves around the idea that individuals and societies have disconnected from the concrete, lived experiences of humanity. Instead of engaging with the complexities of real-life situations, people have resort to abstract theories or ideologies that oversimplify or overlook the nuances of human existence.
Marcel suggests that this detachment is not merely an intellectual phenomenon but is deeply rooted in human emotions and passions. In other words, our biases, desires, and fears have influenced the way we perceive and interpret the world, often leading us to prioritise abstract concepts over tangible realities.
This tendency towards abstraction has had profound implications for society. It may allow oppressive systems to persist because they are justified by abstract ideologies or economic theories that ignore the suffering of marginalised groups. By focusing on abstract principles or ideals, individuals and institutions may neglect the human impact of their actions, leading to social injustice and inequality.
Marcel argues that it is essential to challenge this spirit of abstraction by reconnecting with the concrete experiences of individuals and communities. This involves acknowledging the complexity and diversity of human life and resisting the temptation to reduce it to abstract categories or concepts. By prioritising empathy, compassion, and a genuine understanding of human needs and aspirations, Marcel believes that we can create a more just and humane society.
ASSUMPTA :Turning to the present poverty crisis in Africa, where many Africans lack proper homes, proper healthcare, and governmental financial support, prompts the question of whether society has succumbed to the spirit of abstraction. Are we entranced by the abstract and anonymous world of currency, losing sight of its true nature as a convention, akin to virtual reality?
The Worship of Money Extends Beyond Material Desires.
The worship of money extends beyond material desires, ensnaring and mesmerizing us into actions we would otherwise shun. Multinational corporations operating in Africa often prioritize short-term profits over social responsibility, neglecting their connections with real people. Finance-centered globalization has produced a multitude of individuals trapped in the spirit of abstraction, unable to recognize value beyond the monetary.
This sense of powerlessness pervades societies globally, exacerbated by the advance of globalization and the relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of the environment and human well-being. Kwame Nkrumah’s timeless words remind us of the essential unity between ourselves and our surroundings: “I am myself plus my circumstance, and if I do not save it, I cannot save myself.”
Tsasi: Absolutely, Assumpta. It’s disheartening to see so many people suffering while wealth continues to accumulate in the hands of a few. The worship of money has become pervasive, leading corporations to prioritize profits over the well-being of communities. Multinational corporations operating in Africa often prioritize short-term gains, disregarding their social responsibility to the people they affect. It’s as if they’ve forgotten that real people’s lives are at stake, not just numbers on a balance sheet. It’s frustrating to witness this disconnect between economic interests and human values. Finance-centered globalization has only exacerbated the problem, trapping individuals in a cycle of profit-driven actions that disregard the broader implications for society.
We Seem to Have lost Sight of Our Genuine Humanity amidst the Pursuit of Monetary Gain.
Assumpta: Indeed. We seem to have lost sight of our genuine humanity amidst the pursuit of monetary gain. We’ve become “Homo economicus,” incapable of recognizing any value other than the monetary.
But we must remember Kwame Nkrumah’s words about the essential unity between ourselves and our surroundings. It’s crucial that we acknowledge our interconnectedness and work towards a more equitable and compassionate society. We cannot continue to ignore the plight of those who suffer while we prioritise profit and abstraction over human dignity and well-being. The critical challenge we face is striking the proper balance to recover our human wholeness. However, under supercapitalism, it seems that consumers and investors gain power while citizens lose it.
Tsasi: That’s a troubling imbalance indeed, Assumpta. It’s as if economic interests have taken precedence over the well-being and empowerment of individuals within society. That’s why I’ve been thinking about implementing a Halal economy or what is called Humanitarian Competition. We need an economic system that prioritises human values and fosters competition centred on improving the welfare of all members of society.
ASSUMPTA:
Can you elaborate on what is; Halal Economy and Humanitarian competition, a idea set out by the founding president of the Soka Gakkai, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871-1944), in his 1903 work “The Geography of Human Life”, which I feel can serve as a fresh paradigm to guide us out of the present deadlock.
TSASI:
A Halal Economy : Refers to an economic system that adheres to Islamic principles, particularly those outlined in Sharia law. It encompasses ethical and socially responsible practices that promote fairness, justice, and compassion. In a Halal Economy, transactions and investments must comply with Islamic teachings, which prohibit activities such as charging or paying interest (riba), engaging in speculative trading (gharar), and investing in businesses that deal with prohibited goods or services (haram).
Humanitarian Competition : On the other hand, is a concept that emphasises competition among businesses and individuals to improve the welfare of society as a whole. Instead of focusing solely on maximizing profits or market share, participants in Humanitarian Competition strive to address societal challenges and meet the needs of communities. This type of competition encourages innovation, collaboration, and the development of sustainable solutions to social, environmental, and economic problems.
Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the founding president of the Soka Gakkai, proposed ideas in his 1903 work “The Geography of Human Life” that can serve as a fresh paradigm to guide us out of the present deadlock. While the specifics of Makiguchi’s ideas may vary, his work likely emphasises the interconnectedness of human life and the importance of considering the well-being of all individuals within society. His ideas may promote values such as empathy, compassion, and social responsibility, which are central to both the Halal Economy and the concept of Humanitarian Competition.
By drawing inspiration from Makiguchi’s ideas and integrating them into economic frameworks, we can potentially create a more just, equitable, and sustainable society. This approach prioritises human dignity and well-being, fosters inclusive growth, and addresses the pressing challenges facing communities around the world.
Assumpta: If the concept of a Halal economy, which complies with Islamic Sharia law by avoiding interest payments, is to be implemented, then several private banks should be allowed to offer Halal mortgages. Furthermore, this concept should also be considered for implementation in public banks. Thank you.
Tsasi: Absolutely, Assumpta. By incorporating the principles of a Halal economy into our banking and financial systems, we can promote ethical and socially responsible practices while also ensuring that individuals have access to financial services that align with their beliefs. This approach not only fosters inclusivity but also strengthens the overall resilience and sustainability of our economy. Thank you for shedding light on this important aspect of economic reform.
