আধুনিক সভ্যতার নেতিবাচক প্রভাব সম্পর্কে জাঁ জাক রুশো ও রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুরের চিন্তার একটি তুলনামূলক আলোচনা/ A Comparative Discussion of the Thoughts of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Rabindranath Tagore on the Negative Effects of Modern Civilization

Abstract

In the early stages of human civilization, nature was the sole source of human life sustaining. Humans were completely dependent on nature for food, water and shelter. According to French Philosopher Rousseau, in this state of nature, people lived a simple, uncomplicated and free from all forms of discrimination. In the thoughts of Indian poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, it was in this forest centric life that humans found solidaric with nature and attained a greater philosophy of life, self-realization was possible and able to achieve self-realization and develop spiritual consciousness. But with the development of urban centric civilization, people are becoming distant from contact with nature.

          With the development of modern civilization, art, literature, science and technology have gradually improved. In the wake of modernity people have moved away from their simple, free, and natural lives, have gradually become hypocritical, cowardly, cruel, lazy, selfish, jealous, showy and mechanical in nature. The natural environment is gradually being damaged by human activities. These negative aspects of modern civilization did not escape the attention of Rousseau and Rabindranath. These two great philosophers presented their thoughts influenced by their contemporary situations and events. They both recommended nature centric education systems in the context of the need to understand the importance of nature and the environment in human lives. They believe that this will help future generations grow up to be responsible compassionate and environmentally conscious citizens.

          Developing human qualities in people will reduce the discriminatory mentality in society regarding rich-poor, high-low etc. In this way, the negative effects of modern civilization will be reduced and above all the overall development of people will be possible.