The Foundation of the Word 'Resourceism'
''Selfishness always gropes in the dark. It has no knowledge; by its very nature it is cut off from the source of enlightenment; it is a blind impulse, knowing nothing, obeying no law, for it knows none, and is thereby forcibly bound to those competitive laws by virtue of which suffering is inflicted in order that harmony may be maintained.
We live in a world, a universe, abounding with all good things. So great is the abundance of spiritual, mental and material blessings that every man and woman on this globe could not only be provided with every necessary good, but could live in the midst of abounding plenty, and yet have much to spare. Yet, in spite of this, what a spectacle of ignorance do we behold!
We see on the one hand millions of men and women chained to a ceaseless slavery, interminably toiling in order to obtain a poor and scanty meal and a garment to cover their nakedness; and on the other hand we see thousands, who already have more than they require and can well manage, depriving themselves of all the blessings of a true life and of the vast opportunities which their possessions place within their reach, in order to accumulate more of those material things for which they have no legitimate use. Surely men and women have no more wisdom than the beasts which fight over the possession of that which is more than they can all well dispose of, and which they could all enjoy in peace!
Such a condition of things can only occur in a state of ignorance deep and dark; so dark and dense as to be utterly impenetrable save to the unselfish eye of wisdom and truth.''
James Allen, ''All These Things Added'' (1911)
Review and Summary
"All These Things Added" by James Allen is a profound and timeless book that explores the principles of success, personal development, and the concept of resourceism. Published in 1903, Allen's work continues to resonate with readers by shedding light on the abundant blessings that surround us and the unfortunate ignorance that plagues our society.
In his book, Allen eloquently expresses the belief that our world is filled with an immense abundance of spiritual, mental, and material blessings. He argues that these blessings are meant to be shared equally among all people for the benefit of humanity. Allen criticizes the prevailing state of affairs, where millions of individuals are trapped in ceaseless toil for meager sustenance while a privileged few accumulate excessive possessions they have no legitimate use for.
Within the context of resourceism, Allen's words take on added significance. He highlights the stark contrast between the vast opportunities available to those with excessive possessions and the deprivation experienced by those in poverty. Allen challenges society to recognize the wisdom in sharing resources equitably and embracing a more harmonious and sustainable way of life.
"All These Things Added" serves as a call to awaken from ignorance and realize the potential for a world where everyone can thrive. It encourages readers to reflect on their own actions, question the legitimacy of excessive accumulation, and strive for a society where the common inheritance of Earth's resources benefits all of humanity. Allen's insights remain relevant today, inviting us to envision a more just and compassionate world for generations to come.