PROgressive Utilization Theory

'When a social wave loses its strength and is unable to carry society forward, as it comes close to collapse, if a new wave will rise, this will create an epoch of fascinating transition.' - PR Sarkar.

Every spiritual philosophy should add some value to society by having in tandem a social philosophy.  PROUT is such a social philosophy that has spiritual and cardinal human values as its distinguishing feature.

PROUT - PROgressive Utilisation Theory

* Maximum Utilization and Rational Distribution
* Progress is Spiritual
* Neo-Humanistic Worldview
* Economic Democracy
* Basic Necessities Guaranteed to All
* Benevolent Leadership
* Freedom from Dogma
* Cultural Diversity
* Women's Rights
* Ethical Use of Science and Technology
* World Government

PROUT is an acronym for PROgressive Utilization Theory, a socio-economic philosophy that synthesizes the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of human nature. The goal of PROUT is to provide guidance for the evolution of a truly progressive human society.

PROUT is an alternative to the outmoded capitalist and communist socio-economic paradigms. Neither of these approaches have adequately met the physical, mental and spiritual needs of humanity. PROUT seeks a harmonious balance between economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability - and between individual and collective interests.

Combining the wisdom of spirituality, with a universal outlook and the struggle for self-reliance, PROUTists are creating a new civilizational discourse and planting the seeds for a new way of living. A few basic tenets of PROUT are as follows.

Maximum Utilization and Rational Distribution:
Prout advocates the maximum utilisation of all resources - physical, mental, mundane, supramundane (metaphysical) and spiritual, of both the individual and society. It also believes in rational distribution of these resources, not equal distribution.  While everyone is given the basics of life in exchange for adequate labour, the meritorious are rewarded with extra resources, but only so that they can perform greater social service. This is to enhance their work and inspire others to achieve excellence in their chosen field of work.

Progress is Spiritual:
Human beings are on the path from animality to divinity. True progress is movement toward inner spiritual fulfilment. Material or intellectual gains do not necessarily constitute progress unless they contribute to this deeper well-being. The progressive bearing of a society can only be maintained by making continual adjustments in the use of physical resources and mental potentialities in accordance with spiritual and neo-humanistic values. As human beings we should construct our economic and social institutions to facilitate the attainment of our highest potentiality.

Neo-Humanistic Worldview:
Neo-humanism is supported by PROUT and expands the humanistic love for all human beings to include all of creation -- plants, animals and even inanimate objects. Neo-humanism provides a philosophical basis for building a new era of ecological balance and human kinship.

Economic Democracy:
PROUT advocates economic democracy based upon local economic planning, cooperatively managed businesses, local governmental control of natural key resources and key industries (held on trust for the public), and socially agreed upon limits on the individual accumulation of wealth. Only by decentralizing the economy and putting decision-making power in the hands of local people can we ensure the availability of food, shelter, clothing, health care and education for all.  This is also the best way to ensure that the ecological systems of the earth are not exploited beyond their capacity to renew themselves. Environmental stewardship is a requisite for people, as it is people who are dependent upon these systems for their own survival and well-being.

Basic Necessities Guaranteed to All:
The basic necessities of life should be guaranteed to all as a birth right at this stage in human evolution. People cannot attain their highest human potential if they lack food, shelter, clothing, health care and education. Meaningful employment with a minimum income must be planned to ensure adequate purchasing capacity for the basic necessities. The standard of guaranteed minimum necessities should advance with increases in the economy's productive capacity.  Along with a minimum wage/salary there should be a maximum wage/salary, indexed to a rate of the minimum.  For example, the maximum wage/salary to be no more than 10 times that of the minimum, thereby eradicating extreme forms of poverty and wealth.

Benevolent Leadership:
For a benevolent society, it is essential that leaders be morally principled and dedicated to serving society as part of their personal progress. Authority should not be cantered in the hands of individuals, but should be expressed through collective leadership. The viability of political democracy rests on an electorate possessing three factors: 
1) education; 
2) socio-economic consciousness;
3) moral integrity. 
Otherwise democracy becomes a cunning tool for exploiting and manipulating the masses.

Freedom from Dogma:
Individuals should have the complete freedom to acquire and express their ideas, creative potential and inner aspirations that elevate society and its members. Such intellectual and spiritual freedom will strengthen the collectivity. Restrictions should only be placed on actions clearly detrimental to the welfare of others. Constraints need to be placed on the accumulation of physical wealth, therefore, as excessive accumulation by a few results in the deprivation of many.  Also, whatever is physical is limited due to being confined to the relative factors and elements (solid, liquid, luminous, aerial, ethereal).

Cultural Diversity:
In the spirit of universal fellowship, PROUT encourages the protection and cultivation of local culture, language, history and tradition that elevate human society. For social justice and a healthy social order, individual and cultural diversity must be accepted and encouraged in accordance with cardinal human values.

Women's Rights:
PROUT encourages the struggle against all forms of violence and exploitation used to suppress women. PROUT's goal is coordinated cooperation, with equal rights between men and women. PROUT seeks the economic, social and spiritual empowerment of women throughout the world.

Ethical Use of Science and Technology:
Scientific knowledge and technology are potential assets to humanity. Through their proper use, the physical hardships of life decreases and knowledge is gained about the secrets of life. Time is freed for cultural and spiritual pursuits. However, the development and utilization of scientific knowledge must come under the guidance of spiritual and neo-humanist values and moral/ethical leadership. Without this, technology gets abused by profiteers and the power-hungry, and is prone to destructive influences and exploitation.

World Government:
PROUT supports the creation of a world governance system having a global Bill of Rights, global Constitution and Common Penal Code in order to guarantee the fundamental rights of all individuals and proper workings of socio-economic zones, and to settle regional and international disputes. As the economy becomes decentralized, it becomes more advantageous to have a central political system.  World governance is based on a federated state system, with representation based on both the proportion of people and country wise.

For more on Prout visit their website:
 www.prout.org