CHAPTER SIX — Modern Possibilities

Modern Possibilities reigned supreme under the influence of science, all over the world. The first effect of this onslaught on orientalism is distinctly apparent in Carlyle’s (1795-1881) book, Heroes and Hero worship. This effect was to continue for a considerable period of time. Finally, just as the storm of modern democracy replaced kingship as something outdated, similarly the mindset of pious fraud too lost its relevance. The ancient orientalism, promoting the abuse of the religion of others and intentionally distorting their history and teachings, died a natural death. Another example of this change is that modern intellectual movement which is wrongly called “anti-science.” In actual fact it is anti-materialism rather than anti-science. However, like orientalism, this thinking has not become a clear, conscious movement. It is, on the whole, a reactionary rather than a positive movement. For instance, one of the results of industrialisation and women’s liberation has been the disruption of the family. The relationship between husband and wife has been divested of its former religious sacredness and brought down to the level of a mere means of personal satisfaction. This has resulted in divorce, the incidence of which is on the increase, leading to the ruination of family life and the children, deprived of parental guardianship, have tended to become criminals. Even homes that have escaped divorce have undergone a drastic change. With both parents at work, the children are now put into a ‘day care centre.’ Thus, human beings, at this tender age, are deprived of parental affection and are instead entrusted to the care of hired employees who have no personal interest in their guidance or welfare. A recent American report cites this state of affairs as being responsible for a devastating disease which is on the increase among children. The experts call it autism. The children, apparently healthy and free from bodily diseases, are seen to be victims of strange mental disorders. Numerous problems of this kind have created in man