Satisfaction derived from altruistic behavior

 Collated by Tusar Nath Mohapatra

Thomas Paine and Ludwig von Mises held very different views on human nature, largely due to the different eras and philosophical traditions in which they wrote. 

Thomas Paine: Optimism and Natural Equality

Paine (1737-1809), a key figure of the Enlightenment and the American Revolution, held an optimistic view of human nature and the possibility of human perfectibility. 

• Inherent Goodness: He believed that "man, were he not corrupted by governments, is naturally the friend of man, and that human nature is not of itself vicious".
• Natural Rights and Equality: Paine asserted that all individuals are born naturally equal, with inherent natural rights (such as liberty, property, and security) that government is instituted to protect. He vehemently argued against traditional power structures like monarchy and aristocracy, which he saw as artificial impositions that violated this natural equality.
• Reason and Social Good: Paine had great faith in the ability of individuals to act according to reason and the "common good". He believed that with a just, representative government, people would cooperate for mutual benefit.
• Social Welfare: Reflecting his belief in a society based on the common good, Paine advocated for social welfare programs, such as state-financed universal education, pensions for the elderly, and a guaranteed minimum income, funded by a tax on landowners, as a way of ensuring social justice. 

Ludwig von Mises: Methodological Individualism and Scarcity 

Mises (1881-1973), an economist and philosopher of the Austrian School, viewed human action from a more systematic and analytical perspective, focusing on the universal fact of purposeful action in a world of scarcity. 

• Action as Purposeful Behavior: Mises's core concept, "praxeology," is the study of human action as the conscious pursuit of chosen ends using scarce means. This approach is value-neutral in a scientific sense, observing that humans act purposefully to remove "felt uneasiness," not judging their moral character.
• Inequality and Cooperation: In sharp contrast to Paine's emphasis on natural equality, Mises argued that "men are born unequal, and... it is precisely their inequality that generates social cooperation and civilization". Differences in individual talents and circumstances make the division of labor mutually beneficial and essential for societal progress.
• Rationality in the Market: Mises assumed that individuals are rational in the sense that they employ what they believe to be the best means to attain their desired ends. This does not mean they are perfectly rational or only motivated by monetary profit; it simply means their actions are aimed at improving their own state of satisfaction, even if that satisfaction is derived from altruistic behavior.
• Role of Government: Mises advocated for strict classical liberalism and limited government, primarily restricted to protecting private property and enforcing contracts. He viewed government intervention in the free market as counter-productive and a path to chaos, as it distorts the price signals necessary for rational economic calculation and social coordination. 

Summary of Differences

Feature	Thomas Paine	Ludwig von Mises
Core View of Nature	Optimistic; humans are naturally good, corrupted by bad government.	Analytical; humans act purposefully to alleviate uneasiness in a world of scarcity.
Equality	Stressed natural equality as a foundation for rights.	Argued that natural inequality drives social cooperation and civilization.
Role of Government	Essential for protecting natural rights and implementing social welfare for the common good.	Should be minimal, limited to securing peace and protecting property rights.
Methodology	Enlightenment philosophy, focused on natural law, reason, and utopian ideals.	Praxeology (the a priori science of human action), focused on logical deduction of economic laws.

In essence, Paine believed that society could be perfected through the application of reason to government reform, assuming an inherently good human nature. Mises, while also a liberal, viewed human action as an inescapable condition of scarcity and inequality, arguing that the market process, not government planning, was the only way to coordinate individual actions peacefully and effectively. 

- GoogleAI

https://www.google.com/search?q=Human+nature%3A+Paine+vs.+Mises

[PDF] Studying 'The Song of The Sannyasin'in Light of Cultural Revivalism and Saṃnyāsa Heritage

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… Meditation is an integral part of human life. The portrayal of the meditative state of mind and its link to spiritual happiness is a peculiar … He was an extraordinary man; undoubtedly, most of us are acquainted with his classic work called Yoga Sutra, or …

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Lokasamgraha (welfare for all) in India from the ancient scripture Bhagavad Gita has been a central interlocutor in the significant debates during the nationalist struggle for independence. Nationalist leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Aurobindo …

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The Bhagavadgītā, a timeless spiritual and philosophical text, offers profound insights into the nature of existence, human purpose, and the path to liberation. Delivered by Śrī Kṛṣṇa to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra, its teachings …

Being Hindu, Being Indian: Lala Lajpat Rai's Ideas of Nationhood: Vanya Vaidehi Bhargav. India Viking. New Delhi, 2024. pp. xviii+ 748. Notes. Bibliog. Index. Hb.₹ …

H Reyaz - 2025

… The study also positions Rai in conversation with his contemporaries – Aurobindo, Tagore, Gandhi, and Tilak – who were likewise engaged in defining the moral basis of national identity. Yet Bhargav distinguishes Rai’s project from theirs. Unlike …

Did British Romanticism influence Sri Aurobindo's nationalism?

 Collated by Tusar Nath Mohapatra

It is highly unlikely that Matthew Arnold influenced Sri Aurobindo's early fervor for nationalism; in fact, available evidence suggests the opposite. Sri Aurobindo had an attachment to European thought and literature, but specifically stated he was not attached to England as a country. 

Key points regarding Sri Aurobindo's nationalism and his view of Arnold:

• A Personal Aversion to English Rule: Sri Aurobindo's mission for India's liberation was a deep, personal resolve that began in his youth, long before his public political career. He developed a profound dislike for British rule while in England and perceived his mission as a divine impulse for India's freedom.
• "New Lamps for Old": Sri Aurobindo's public political life began with articles in Indu Prakash under the title "New Lamps for Old" where he vehemently denounced the moderate, pro-British policies of the Indian National Congress.
• Critique of English Society: Sri Aurobindo actually used Matthew Arnold's phrase "an aristocracy no longer possessed of the imposing nobility of mind" in one of his writings (likely an early political piece), but to critique the debased nature of the English middle class and lower classes, which he saw as "without any germ of high ideas". This indicates he was familiar with Arnold's work but used it to support his own anti-British colonial perspective, not as a source of nationalist inspiration.
• Other Influences: Sri Aurobindo's nationalism was primarily inspired by Indian spiritual and cultural ideals (Sanatan Dharma), leaders like Tilak, and a belief in India's unique spiritual destiny in the world. His Bande Mataram newspaper and other writings focused on complete independence and passive resistance, a strategy informed by a study of the British character and a belief in India's spiritual strength. 

Therefore, Matthew Arnold's ideas on culture and society were known to Sri Aurobindo, but they served as a point of critique of British society, not as an inspiration for his fervent Indian nationalism, which was rooted in indigenous spiritual and political thought.

- GoogleAI 

https://www.google.com/search?q=Can+Matthew+Arnold+be+said+to+have+influenced+Sri+Aurobindo%27s+early+fervor+for+Nationalism

The suggestion by someone named "Ulrich" in Situating Sri Aurobindo that British Romanticism influenced Sri Aurobindo's nationalism is a scholarly interpretation, and its validity is a matter of academic debate and perspective, rather than a universally accepted fact. 

Scholarly Context

• The book Situating Sri Aurobindo: A Reader (2013), edited by Peter Heehs, is a collection of essays that offer various scholarly interpretations of Sri Aurobindo's life and work. An argument within such a collection is typically an academic thesis that needs to be evaluated based on the evidence presented.
• The validity of "Ulrich's" specific argument regarding British Romanticism would depend on the evidence provided in his/her chapter and the reception of this specific argument among other scholars of Sri Aurobindo and Indian nationalism. The search results provide no direct information on this particular argument's reception. 

Dominant Interpretations of Sri Aurobindo's Nationalism

While a British Romanticism influence might exist, the prevailing scholarly consensus, as seen in the search results, emphasizes the following primary influences on Sri Aurobindo's concept of nationalism:

• Spiritual and Religious Foundation: Sri Aurobindo's nationalism is most notably described as "spiritual nationalism" or "religious sadhana" (spiritual discipline). He viewed the nation, specifically India, as a Mother Goddess (Shakti) and believed the freedom struggle was a divine mission rooted in the Sanatan Dharma (eternal truth/religion).
• Indian Philosophical Texts: His political and philosophical views were significantly influenced by the study of the Gita, Upanishads, and Vedanta. He sought to blend Indian philosophical idealism with Western thought.
• Bankimchandra Chatterjee: The Bengali author Bankimchandra's writings, especially the novel Anandamath and the song Bande Mataram, were a major inspiration for Sri Aurobindo's conception of the nation as "Mother". 

In conclusion, while an author in a scholarly book might suggest an influence of British Romanticism, the primary and dominant influences on Sri Aurobindo's nationalism, widely acknowledged in academic discourse, are rooted in Indian spirituality, philosophy, and the writings of contemporary Bengali figures like Bankimchandra. The validity of the Romanticism claim is debatable and less prominent than the spiritual interpretation. 

- GoogleAI 

https://www.google.com/search?q=But+Ulrich+in+Situating+Sri+Aurobindo+suggests+that+British+Romanticism+influenced+Sri+Aurobindo%27s+Nationalism.+Is+it+valid

Purani. Life of Sri Aurobindo

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Introduction. The contact of the Indian mind with Western literature is the most important and significant result of the British conquest over India.

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14 Sept 1978 — Surveying all German influences we can say that German idealism has exercised a much greater influence on Aurobindo than he has conceded himself.

Kkk 

Democracy must discourage personality cult and dynasty

   Collated X posts in original by Tusar Nath Mohapatra

The Idea of India (1997) by Sunil Khilnani can be said to be appearing right at the juncture of a new epoch. India Unbound (2002) by Gurcharan Das was equally seminal. Being Indian (2004) by Pavan K. Varma follows the same trajectory. The Second World (2008) by Parag Khanna also.

Social media has immense capability for publicity, but the philosophy of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo is not reaching people. Official institutions are reluctant to take any initiative in this direction. To make matters worse, those sympathetic to Hindutva are spreading confusion.

Framers of Indian Constitution never imagined a mobile phone in the hand of every citizen with Internet connection. The modalities of democracy therefore have become outdated. A large nation like India itself has become an absurdity due to overpopulation. States need Sovereignty.

Prospect of a #WorldUnion appears prominently in Sri Aurobindo's #FiveDreams Manifesto broadcast on August 14, 1947. Things look dismal at present. Yet Savitri Era Party rededicates itself for fruition of this inevitable evolutionary leap on the World Union day (August 20) today.

People are busy in peddling problems. Political parties as well as publishing houses are thriving by analysing them. Savitri Era Religion, owing allegiance to The Mother & Sri Aurobindo, however, is confident of a sublime destiny for the humanity. All may join in this great task.

Auroville is facing serious threats by its present mandarins as Hindutva lobby is hell bent on destroying its uniqueness. Savitri Era Party demands returning Matrimandir and Auroville to the devotees of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo to stop such evil designs.

seof.blogspot.com/2025/08/one-ca…

https://x.com/SavitriEra/status/1958846396490293397?t=Di17t0IFzZrp8BC_HZLVjg&s=19

The Life Divine by Sri Aurobindo is the highest political goal and Savitri is the same in the spiritual direction. Since the ontology of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo entails seamless divinity of the whole creation any form of voluntary collaboration towards this end turns into yoga

A misconception prevails that Auroville has no religion although Matrimandir with The Mother & Sri Aurobindo's symbols is right at the centre of it. Founded by The Mother, it represents an aspiration for Vedic ideal of Life Divine and so it's erroneous to look upon it as utopian.

Apart from the castes or ethnic groups, there is a district-level nationalism in most States of India. Specific dialect and culture along with historical associations create such distinct identities. Thus differences among people are myriad. Savitri Era Religion will forge unity.

Since narrative war is a continuous affair and my role has been to present an alternative view based on The Mother & Sri Aurobindo's legacy, I play down the spiritual element which is subjective or esoteric in favour of a more practical aspect like devotion and surrender to them.

No one remembers him today, but V.K. Krishna Menon was a very prominent figure in our childhood. Similarly, T.T. Krishnamachari was well known. V.R. Krishna Iyer, of course, remains relevant for his radical views. J. Krishnamurti used to be a dominant influence on many seekers.

Trying to understand the 20th century history or the journey of modern India without considering the occult as well as the overt contributions of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo would be highly warped. Studying philosophy or psychology without them, similarly, can be very misleading.

From Sitaram Goel, Koenraad Elst to M. Nageswara Rao, criticism of RSS continues. But understanding such a vast organisation with a century behind it isn't easy. Thus to dub it as this or that is immature. We are a free country and no one prevents to raise an alternative marquee.

Hegel spent a lot of time with Indian philosophy whatever was available to him in translation at that point of time. He also wrote on them quite a bit but unfortunately he confused between Brahman and Brahmin and America seems to have caught the contagion.

Having observed functioning and evolution of democracy in our country during the last sixty years, I'm of the view that full efflorescence of democracy isn't possible democratically. Like gold ornaments it must include some alloy. Modi is the first PM with complete hold on party.

Savitri Era Party reiterates its demand for returning the ownership and administration of Matrimandir and Auroville to the devotees of The Mother & Sri Aurobindo as the purpose of the Govt takeover has been resolved long back. Govt needs to be sensitive towards such new religions

No person is able to take care of his or her own nutrition in a perfect manner. So, to expect the same individual to select a political party or choose the right candidate by studying their past, present, and future is a tall order. Imposing such onerous burden on him is absurd.

Amusing to read daily debates on what is Hinduism, who is a Hindu, whether India is a Hindu Rashtra, why RSS and BJP are not protecting Hindu interests, how can Hindu traditions be incorporated in Govt programmes, etc. We at Savitri Era Religion are thankfully safe from all these

People were shocked when I talked about politics with relation to The Mother & Sri Aurobindo. In the process, I earned more detractors than followers. Launching Savitri Era Religion also added fuel to the fire. But I have carried on singlehandedly with utmost conviction and hope.

Many tend to portray Kejriwal in a simplistic fashion, but he continues to be a source of confusion and chaos. The whole chain of events from Ramdev to Modi can't said to have been neatly scripted and executed by Kejriwal. Evolutionary forces were at work.

x.com/SavitriEra/sta…

Supporting evolutionary forces is important but Savitri Era Party fails to find anyone in the current political milieu of India. Similarly, it doesn't take any stand on international situation since it's so chaotic. But churning is on and will lead to Sri Aurobindo's #WorldUnion.

Many new States have taken birth in India and creation of new Nations in future can't be ruled out. Geopolitical transformations are very much part of evolutionary plan and it would be much more profitable to explore such possibilities instead of constantly delving into the past.

Sri Aurobindo had welcomed the Cripps Proposal and had urged the Congress leaders for its acceptance. There is a belief that the partition could have been averted had his advice not rejected.

No other Prime Minister had enjoyed such spontaneous popularity and uninterrupted support from the masses. Leading the nation and the party undisputed for twelve years would have been impossible without evolutionary intention. But lack of transparency and accountability tarnishes

India ceased to be a modern and forward looking society in November 1990, when V.P. Singh govt. fell. Democratic ethos took a downward turn. Falsehood and Fascist tendencies grew. Media revolution has been in overdrive for reversing the emancipatory characteristics of evolution.

Wrong ontology can lead to defective worldviews. Each religion teaches one and Dharma is quite comfortable with Monarchy and subjugating dissent. Democracy, on the contrary, empowers the Individual and his voice. 1947 signifies a watershed, for this very reason. Let's protect it.

Leaders are surely capable but others are also waiting for opportunity. Retirement age or stipulating maximum number of terms is a must for justice in this matter. Democracy needs to discourage rise of personality cult and dynasty. There shouldn't be any room for indispensability

Upholding democracy is the responsibility of each citizen. Like spirituality, practicing it in the day-to-day life is also important. Social media interactions should reflect that. Savitri Era Party, drawing inspiration from The Mother & Sri Aurobindo, is an excellent alternative

I don't agree. Everything can change in the Congress except the centre. That's an anomaly; against democracy.

https://x.com/SavitriEra/status/1968962846412144699?t=IvYwBM9DpPzFlrJPygsxFw&s=19

Singling out Modi is not enough. You should also show where and how the whole Dharma bandwagon, of which he is a product, errs. That would be more constructive contribution.

https://x.com/SavitriEra/status/1968723097797685300?t=8ASjTF-zqzdHaCpq713wBQ&s=19

Hindutva has imprisoned Sri Aurobindo in Uttarpara. He is nothing beyond the speech he delivered there. His Puducherry period, and whatever he wrote there, is completely ignored. They are of no use! Still better than the Congress and the Left for whom Sri Aurobindo doesn't exist!

https://x.com/SavitriEra/status/1969106332331430256?t=K0HjgNwBeTSqqysARIjnjA&s=19