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We must begin to see what the philosophers have long ago seen--that, psychologically, the maladjustments, the frustrations, and the spiritual impoverishments of modern man are the root causes of his outer troubles, that, given the right atmosphere of co-operative goodwill and creative intelligence, all practical problems involving human relationships will soon solve themselves within it. That most strife-breeding political, economic, and social questions would vanish altogether if we could create this new atmosphere, this new spiritual outlook, has become quite evident to them. The widespread exclusion of higher principles and ethical considerations from the ruling policies of modern states is something that has brought its own Nemesis upon the modern world. Only when the world will consent to become inspired by higher principles can it hope to find the real solution of the multitude of economic, political, and social problems that face it. All solutions which lack these principles are but paint and varnish which hide but do not change the real problems. Only by raising the public conscience through the efforts of inspired individuals and true religious teachers will real change come about. The higher executive posts in every country throughout the world should be filled by individuals who are as spiritually minded as they must needs be practically minded, if mankind is to make true progress. Such individuals should be put at the head of the social pyramid, as was formerly done in the prehistoric times under the system of king-sages, or spiritually minded advisers should be put at the sides of those in authority to ensure wisdom in action.

-- Notebooks Category 13: Human Experience > Chapter 4 : World Crisis > # 337