What Is Civilization?

In order to arrive at any conclusion, we have, at first, to find the

answer to the question: What is civilization? Generally, people
think that science and manners, arts and crafts, ways of social life,
style of culture and conduct of politics, or a conglomeration of
these things, is called 'civilization'. In fact, this is not civilization,
these are the results and facades of a civilization; in other words,
these are not the roots of civilization, they are branches and leaves.
The value of a civilization cannot be determined by its external
appearances and its fancy dresses. For determining the value of a
civilization, we should delve deep into its soul and explore its
foundation.

The Ingredients of Civilization

The first thing that should be searched out about a civilization is

its concept of worldly life. What does it say about the status of man
in this world? How does it see the world? What type of relation has
man with the world? What concept should man use in the world?
This question about the concept of life is so important that it deeply
influences the deeds and actions of man, and with the change of
concepts, the type of civilization changes.

The other question, deeply related to the concept of life, is the

question of the purpose of life. What is the purpose of man's life in
this world? This entire struggle, labour, competition, hardship and
endurance by man: what is it for? What is the target toward which
man should race? What is the ultimate aim that he should focus
on? This question of the target determines the direction of man's
practical life, his advancement, lines of action, and selection of
means that can lead him to success.

The third question is: On what thoughts and beliefs does a

civilization build the human character? How does it mould the
human mind? What kind of thoughts does it instil in the human
mind and heart? What are those incentives that inspire man to
lead a particular kind of life that conforms with the ultimate aim
of civilization? It is an indisputable fact that man's powers of action
are subject to his powers of intellect. The soul, whose place is in
man's mind and heart, keeps his limbs moving, whatever thought
or belief dominates his mind, man's powers of action work under
it. According to one's way of thinking, passions and feelings arise
in man's heart, and he moves under their influence. So, no
civilization can be established without a fundamental belief and
basic concept. On this basis, before evaluating the worth of a
civilization it is necessary to understand its basic concept and
belief, its good qualities and its shortcomings, in the same way as
for finding the strength and stability of a building, it is necessary
to find out how deep and strong its foundation is.

The fourth question is: What kind of men does a particular

civilization produce? In other words, what moral training does it
give that can prepare men to lead successful lives. What
characteristics and qualities does a civilization inculcate and
develop in men? How are men prepared through its special
training? No doubt, the real purpose of a civilization is to build a
collective system but there must be individuals who are used as
bricks for building the edifice of a nation. The stability of an edifice
depends on the fineness and strength of each stone, brick, and
beam. Any wood eaten by weevil or any weak material must be
rejected. Therefore, the question of preparing individuals by means
of a civilization is essential.

The fifth question is: How are relations established between man
and man, keeping in view their different status and positions?
Man's relations with his family, his neighbours, friends,
colleagues, subordinates, superiors, followers of his own
civilization and those who differ from it? What are his rights upon
others, and what are others' rights toward him? With what limits
has he been restricted? What are the limits to his freedom? Under
this question come all the problems relating to moral and social
life, law, politics, and international relations; and how a civilization
manages family, society, and the government.

From this discussion, we conclude that a civilization comprises five

elements:

1. The concept about worldly life

2. The aim of life
3. The fundamental thoughts and beliefs
4. The training of individuals
5. The collective system