Ideal of Human Unity

Abstract

Besides elaborating on various dimensions of ‘ideal of human unity’, the chapter explores the relevance of this concept for the contemporary world. Many of Sri Aurobindo’s reflections on international developments of his time including the rise and fall of the League of Nations, the establishment of the United Nations and its weakness, and the squabbling among the major powers, are relevant to a discussion on international politics in the twenty-first century world. Building on Sri Aurobindo’s integral perspective, it shows that in this perspective, individual’s inner development and their outward political organization and society are all interconnected, and a deeper understanding of them creates an enabling condition to build a peaceful society. In this context, the chapter examines concepts such as ‘national ego’ and ‘nation-soul’. It focuses on Auroville, the international township in South India. It also juxtaposes Sri Aurobindo’s ideal of human unity with the idea and practice of ‘global governance’.