Role of Students in the Society
There has been an ongoing debate in the circle of social and political scientists whether an organized society should be responsible to serve the individual citizen's true end, i.e., his real needs and rights, such as freedom, growth, peace, security, privacy, etc. Or, is it the citizen who is to be held responsible for and made subservient to the society's needs, "in the interest of the common good"? Such "either-or" ideological confrontation is created mainly by doctrinaire philosophers, if not by the politicians with vested interests. In reality, both these claims are artificially projected. They could be made mutually complementary when properly balanced in a truly liberal and enlightened community. For, nothing and no one exists in complete isolation. At the same time, a healthy and truly civilized society thrives on co-operation between citizens, office-bearers, and authorities in any institution where an individual's voice is respected and valued. However, these ideological stands can be analyzed and understood in the light of the universal teachings of Theosophy and of some social philosophers like Plato, Socrates, Hegel, etc.
Take, for instance, what appears to be the now defunct "Socialist" doctrine. Its advocates often go to the length of saying that the individual has to be subordinated for the welfare of the community, and by community is often emplied the monolithic state authority. Sometimes a citizen is just a fodder to fatten the economy and the power of the State so that his claims or even his freedom may be sacrificed if the power of the State is questioned! The State is supposed to play the sovereign role of a so-called benevolent Father, a King and a Protector, and all must assume their proper place in the system without a whimper!
On the other hand, "Individualism"—a politico-economic doctrine that advocates complete freedom for the common man—can go to the other extreme. For instance, sometimes its advocates interpret "freedom" as license
Take, for instance, what appears to be the now defunct "Socialist" doctrine. Its advocates often go to the length of saying that the individual has to be subordinated for the welfare of the community, and by community is often emplied the monolithic state authority. Sometimes a citizen is just a fodder to fatten the economy and the power of the State so that his claims or even his freedom may be sacrificed if the power of the State is questioned! The State is supposed to play the sovereign role of a so-called benevolent Father, a King and a Protector, and all must assume their proper place in the system without a whimper!
On the other hand, "Individualism"—a politico-economic doctrine that advocates complete freedom for the common man—can go to the other extreme. For instance, sometimes its advocates interpret "freedom" as license