Development is a
Process
Development is a process not a program.
Development is not the result of a set of policies or programs. It
is the result of a process by which society moves from lesser to
greater levels of energy, efficiency, quality, productivity,
complexity, comprehension, creativity, enjoyment and accomplishment.
How Process
of Development Occurs
The process of development occurs by the creation of higher
levels of organization in society capable of accomplishing greater
acts with more efficient use of social energies. Society develops by
organizing all the knowledge, human energies and material resources
at its disposal to fulfill its aspirations. Organization is the
practical application of knowledge in action. It is the technology
or know-how for social accomplishment.
Principles are
Similar at Various Levels
Political, social, economic
and technological development are various expressions and dimensions
of the development of the human collective. The same principles of
development are application to all fields of social existence.
The same principles are applicable to
development at the level of the individual, the organization and the
society.
Energy and
Social Development
A society is prepared for
development when it possesses the requisite surplus energy,
awareness and aspiration.
Surplus energy is the fuel for
development. Each developmental achievement requires an enormous
investment of energy in new and higher forms of behavior. Surplus
energy is generated when society has fully organized and mastered
activities at its current level of development. The development and
application of mind energize society by technological and
organizational innovation, spread of education, acceptance of new
ideas and higher values.
Energy is released when society
becomes aware of new opportunities and has the collective will to
exploit them. The driving force for development is the progressive
growth of the social collectives’ knowledge and awareness of
opportunities and the social aspiration or will for higher
accomplishment.
The Fabric of
the Social Organization
The social organization consists of a single interconnected fabric.
The threads and the weave of the fabric are formed by the
multidimensional interaction of social activities, organizations,
institutions and values. The fabric varies in thickness and density
of weave, being most concentrated in large, highly developed urban
centers. Development is the process by which the fabric of the
social organization increases in density, quality, complexity, and
geographic extension.
Stages of Social
Development
Society develops through the three overlapping stages – physical,
vital, and mental. Each stage is characterized by the predominance
of one of the three attributes of human consciousness. The
progression from one stage to the next stimulates an exponential
increase in the productivity and accomplishments of society.
Current Process
is Unconscious
The natural process of development is unconscious. It proceeds by a
slow, cumbersome, trial and error process from experience to
knowledge. Conscious development moves in the other direction from
knowledge to experience. The more conscious the process, the more
rapid the progress. Education is an essential prerequisite for
conscious development.
Society's
Response to the Pioneers Conscious Development
-The society gives formed creative
expression to its collective subconscious urge for development
through the initiative of pioneering individuals.
-The
response of society to the initiative of the pioneer depends on its
prior preparedness. Initiatives that are too far beyond the
society’s preparedness are opposed, rejected or ignored. These
pioneers are considered rebels. Those that embody the next step in
the collective march are embraced, often after initial resistance,
imitated and eventually accepted by the collective. These pioneers
are accepted as leaders.
Organization
Turns Acceptance into Reality
Once a new activity is accepted,
society established new organizations, policies and laws to support
it. When social acceptance of the activity becomes complete, the
activity matures into an institution that no longer requires the
support of specialized organizations, policies and laws to promote
it. At a further stage the activity is transmitted to future
generations through the family and becomes part of the culture of
the society.
Old Ways that
are Obstacles to Development
When society seeks to move to the next
higher stage of development, existing beliefs, attitudes, behaviors
and forms of organization become obstacles that have to be overcome
in order for the transition to take place. Progression to each
further stage involves a change in attitude and life style.
Speed of Social
Development
The
speed of social development increases as awareness of opportunities
spreads, aspiration increases, conscious knowledge of organization
grows, attitudes become more progressive, and infrastructure is put
in place.
Infrastructure
of Social Development
-Development
takes place on the foundation of four types of infrastructure –
physical, social, mental and psychological. Only the first of these
is subject to any inherent limits. As development progresses, it
relies more and more on non-material resources.
-Resources
also are of four types – physical, social, mental and psychological.
-Mind is the
creator of all resources. The application of human intelligence and
inventiveness converts a substance into a resource. Increasing
knowledge increases the productivity of resources, even physical
resources. Therefore, mind is the ultimate resource that gives value
to all the others.
