A symphony of civilizations

Asia Times Online :: China News - A symphony of civilizations

Historian Christopher Dawson (1889-1970) already indicated after the first massive tragedy of the 20th century the direction to follow: "If a true world-civilization is ever to be created, it will not be by ignoring the existence of the great historic traditions of culture, but rather by an increase of mutual comprehension" (The Making of Europe, 1932).

Only a shared awareness of fundamental cultural and historical commonalities can lead to the deepening of the links ... Better understanding ... is also necessary for both sides to take the full measure of what the two ancient civilizations can achieve together.

Intellige ut credas - "understand so that you should believe" - Augustine's words on reason and faith might apply also to the actors of international relations: mutual understanding begets trust and the two are, in fact, reinforcing each other.

... re-emergence , but only ... restoration to its historical position - is already having considerable impact on the global village.

Since it shares with the Old World an accumulation of experiences in dealing with a high level of internal diversity.

Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-59) observed this general paradox of 19th-century US society: "The aspect of American society is animated, because men and things are always changing; but it is monotonous, because all these changes are alike" (Chapter XVII, Democracy in America, 1835).

... is physically almost as large as Europe and much larger than the European Union 25.

The population of the European Union does not exceed a third of ... 1.1 billion inhabitants.

...is a multinational political entity.

...one speaks of ... ethnic groups composing a gigantic human mosaic.

balance the legitimate need for unity with the richness of diversity.

find inspiration in European society and its constant effort to balance economic efficiency and social justice under the rule of law,

Friends converge towards the gentleman's culture and their friendship promotes benevolence and goodness." This was Confucius' view (Analects 12:24).[need an Indian equivalent quote]

Aware of fundamental commonalities, understanding their respective constraints and looking for cross-fertilizations, it is time ... to join their strengths and wisdoms to open a more cooperative page of history.

DR Note: Good ideas here which are what I want to echo in the book wrt India vs. USA/W. Europe. Plus, India is more of a natural ally in its pluralistic outlook and democratic underpinnings.