POVERTY

 

          POVERTY

“Poverty” is defined not only as shortage of money but also dearth, shortage, scarcity, paucity, insufficiency, lack and meagerness of other resources. Thinkers have both liked and disliked it.  Some have blamed God for its existence and many others have held human rulers responsible for it.

The English novelist and playwright  John Galsworthy (1867-1933) said: “Nations like men, can be healthy and be happy, though comparatively poor. Wealth is a means to an end, not the end itself. As a synonym for health and happiness, it has had a fair trial and dismay.”

The Canadian poet Bliss Carman (161-1929) praises God for poverty. He says: “Praise God for poverty that makes and keeps us free, and lets us go our un-obstructive way, glad of the sun and rain, upright, serene, humane, contented with the fortunes of the day.

Poverty should not make people beggars. For this governments must be held responsible. Most of the poor people are God-fearing, law-abiding, contented and spiritually sound and in this respect they are better than a large number of rich people who do not believe in simple living and high thinking.

Present day rulers are promoting materialism and trying to surpass their rivals using all sorts of fair and foul means. In this context, here is a great thought of the American industrialist and business magnate Henry Ford (1863-1947) :

“The cure for materialism is to have enough for everybody and to spare. When people are sure of having what they need they cease to think about it.  

Finally, the following terrific words of Greek philosopher Aristotle (384 BC-322BC):

“Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime.”

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G.R.Kanwal

25 October 2024