The global attack on traditional cultures and wisdom sciences is multi-faceted and often subtle and relentless. Even with the best of intentions, parents often face a losing battle. I am writing this today from the living museum that is India, one country in the world which, despite its exploitation and subjugation by foreign forces, has miraculously managed to keep its cultures and traditions alive. So far. However, today's sex-tech and fin-tech materialistic and individualistic pleasure and addiction industries are hollowing culture out from the inside. Parents are feeling helpless. Algorithms are destroying wisdom.
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For young people today, progress is in the form of money, gadgets, pornographic consumption and addiction to drugs and alcohol. These images and their 'coolness' can also be witnessed in Bollywood films. They feel liberating and appealing but are often devious in their intent, breaking up faith, family, community and any respect for tradition. The liberal world expects us to stand by and watch this cultural demolition without any defence army. Often those who do actively defend culture are seen as backward and Luddite.
Paradoxically the terms diversity and culture are also increasingly used in professional rhetoric as if they are good things to have and practice. Faith is still grossly misunderstood, especially by the liberal intelligentsia. The very fact that a country of 1.4 billion people is largely peaceful and tolerant, and Mumbai, with twenty million people, is one of the safest cities on the planet, is not of interest. The media prefers masala to the truth.
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At a practical level, we must all understand this subtle but powerful attack on culture. We have no choice but to play our part in its defence. We also need to collaborate through our neighbourhoods and communities to defend and inspire young people to become cultural champions and cultured fashion designers where coolness comes from wisdom, not appearance or instant pleasures. Money must be understood for its limitations in bringing lasting fulfilment and happiness. Otherwise, we will continue to be destroyed, displaced and dislocated. Let the new year increase our resolve for cultural protection and investment. I am in India trying to transform finance education and practice in this direction.
Professor Atul K. Shah [@atulkshah] teaches and writes about Indian wisdom on business, culture and community at various UK universities and is a renowned international author, speaker and broadcaster.
