There is perhaps a certain conflict always between the idea of progress and that of security and stability. The two do not fit in; the former wants change, the latter a safe unchanging haven and continuation of things as they are. The idea of progress is modern and relatively new even in the west; the ancient and medieval civilization thought far more in terms of a golden past and of subsequent decay. In India also the past has always been glorified. The civilization that was built up here was essentially based on stability and security and from this point of view; it was far more successful than any that arose in the west. The social structure based on the caste system and joint families, served this purpose and was successful in providing social security for the group and a kind of insurance for the individual who by reason of age, infirmity, or any other incapacity, was unable to provide for himself. Such an arrangement, while favouring the weak, hinders, to some ex...
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