The similarity between members of the human race over generations is fascinating and somewhat intriguing. Indeed, there has always been a driving force present throughout history that has guided us in a distinct direction. We might, for simplicity, name it as our “aim” or reason for living. This story begins well before civilisation was established. The only apparent “objective” was to survive by any means.

Later on along the timeline, man could use his mind more efficiently. It marked the outset of the race for the conquest of lands. The “goal” was as simple as that during that lapse of time. Undiscovered territories, which were finite, were then soon all claimed by the navigators who set out around the world.

The situation today is no different from what it was in the past. The present generation has been attributed the characteristic of being materialistic. Indeed, while those who are already well off still want to improve their standard of living, the poor are continuously striving to climb up the social ladder. The obsession with earning more along with fame is now part of us tand has become the modern “mission”.

Nevertheless, a phenomenon has been observed during the past few years: the emergence of spirituality. It is spreading around the whole world rather quickly. Even in Mauritius, many organisations have been set up to encourage this new movement. We seem to be in transition towards a new “ambition”.

The trend is surely pointing at a different “aspiration” each time. Yet, a thorough psychological analysis of our history proves that the basic idea has, in fact, always been the same. It may be hard to believe but it is the case. Man has only been trying to achieve one single “purpose” for such a long time: emotional security. However, security has different dimensions with each generation.

In primitive society, man had not realised its existence yet. It was guided instinctively. The body asked for only food and water. It was however complemented by a need for protection in that hostile environment. The caveman felt secure.

As time passed, the evolution of man witnessed the development of his intellectual faculty. He started thinking about the future. This was the end of nomadic tribes who started to settle down. People started engaging in herding animals and planting crops for food. At this point, another basic need cropped up: shelter and the need for territorial space arose. This marked the beginning of empire-building. Each community acquired lands as far as it could to establish itself along with its culture. The main reason behind this behaviour was for people to prevent themselves from being uprooted, thus assuring their legacy and satisfying their need for security.

The feeling of completion derived from their achievements was accompanied by a lust for more power. It was, in other words, the birth of inequality. The disparity between rich and poor was further intensified by the introduction of money. The quest for more money was applicable to both parties because money was the way to create an identity and possess social status.

Since then, the craze for power through money has reached its peak. The advent of capitalism has helped to perpetuate this culture. Social status is henceforth determined by consumer power. Today, security is equal to financial strength complemented by purchasing power.

Yet, this whole equation seems to have somehow been disturbed nowadays. Indeed, many people who have amassed considerable amounts of money have affirmed that it is not the solution. At present, in this post-modern era, people have realised that, even though a social identity has been achieved, their inner identity has not flourished. This explains why many are now seeking help to fulfil themselves.

Spirituality seems to hold the answer as it provides food for the soul. This concept, which can be materialised through activities like yoga and meditation, has in fact already borne its fruits in the past. Indeed, yogis and sages in India affirm to have attained nirvana through these techniques.

Finally, the ultimate destination is simply self-accomplishment. Our ancestors had already attempted to complete this journey via different routes that unfortunately led them into an ever-lasting whirlpool of anguish. Today, there is a belief that we are very near to our goal. We have managed to understand part of the mystery of life.

We now realise and may in the near future even feel the existence of the soul. In this way, we shall be able to fulfil its requirements which are essentially linked to emotional security. Only then will the quest of mankind be finally fulfilled. But when will this day come? Hopefully, before the last day of mankind…

<B>Rajnish DAMRY</B>