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.
