All for One and
One for All
Man and society must have a constant interchange of the benefits each has to offer. This path can lead to man’s success in this world and the next.
In shaping his own life, every individual must keep the larger interests of society in view, just as society must, in its general development, work towards the betterment of individuals. Thus, society’s and individuals’ objectives and functioning should be in consonance with each other.
In such matters, excellent coordination between an individual and society is essential if harmony is to prevail. If we wish to have an example on which to model ourselves to the best advantage, we do not have to look very far for it. We have it there before our very eyes in the shape of the universe, for God has set us an example of harmonious living on the most colossal of scales. We need only observe how all of the innumerable forces in nature function with unerring precision and complete predictability to understand what is meant by perfectly coordinated interaction. As Emerson has so aptly put it, ‘‘Nature works on a method of all for each and each for all.” It sums up the divine scheme of the universe, the workings of which make an enduring appeal to humanity to maintain an equilibrium of interests, whether at the individual or the societal level. If man were to heed this universal message, he would surely never stray from the straight and narrow path which leads him so felicitously to finding favour in the eyes of God; he would never do anything of a damaging nature to the structure of society.
In this respect, he is like a tree in relation to the universe. The tree needs sunlight, warmth, moisture, air, soil, and gravity to survive. These requirements are met by elements already permanent features of the universe. Moreover, our world, in turn, benefits from the things the tree offers—fruit, flowers, timber, oxygen, soil conservation, moisture and shade, etc. There is a chain of reciprocity, which, if it were broken, would be disastrous for both man and his environment.
Similarly, man and society must have a constant interchange of the benefits each has to offer. This perfect coordination between the part and the whole is desirable for man. This is the only path that can lead to man’s success both in this world and the next.
