There are three important characteristics that separate human beings from other living creatures:  The ability to think; the desire to create on the basis of his thoughts; and the ability to realize this in the material world.  In my opinion, it is these abilities that have lead human beings to believe that they are "the unquestionable masters of the world." 

How did human life begin in the world?  No one has yet been able to answer this question.  Nevertheless, we are able to talk about a chronological order regarding the development of something that is defined as civilization on the basis of the existing documents and the findings.  Leaving the historical chronology to others, I want to talk about this "unquestionable master" with a story that I myself have created. 

Human beings initially ate fruits and vegetables that grew in the soil.  One day however, one man was forced to struggle against an animal that attacked his child.  Lifting a heavy stone he swung it in the air and he threw it toward the animal.  Fearing, the animal retreated in pain.  The man took one more stone from the ground and he swung it in the air with fury and fear.  The animal which was in greater pain became even more aggressive.  The animal left aside the child, its initial prey, and it made a leap toward the man who had dared to attack the animal.  The man became more afraid.  He felt fear in all his body.  He suddenly felt a wave of fear that he had never felt before.  He lifted the heaviest stone that he could find from the ground and he threw the stone forward with a new strength that stemmed from the fear he felt -- a sort of fear that he had never encountered prior to that incident.  He had not thought much when doing this.  As a matter of fact, he merely aimed to get rid of this animal in order to continue to survive.  He had thrown all the stones in order to survive.  He threw yet another stone.  The animal hesitated a little.  It was really hurting. After a short while, it desperately made another leap toward the man.  Probably, it was attacking due to fear, rather than hunger, at this point. 

As he retreated, the man threw another stone toward the animal. Meanwhile, the child who was lying on the ground pulled himself together and stood up.  He looked at his father.  Given that his father was his role model, he felt the need to imitate his father.  He also lifted a stone from the ground and he joyfully threw the stone at the animal that had become even more aggressive due to despair.  Finally one of the large and heavy stones hit the animal in such a place that the animal fell back, made heartbreaking noises, and died. 

The father and the son were very pleased.  After all, this was the first time that they had fought with such a strong animal.  And they had succeeded to kill it.  The father did not say to his son:  "I would have never thought of killing it if it had not attacked you.  He embraced his son with the enthusiasm of victory and he said:  "you see we are stronger than the animal.  As of now, there is no need to be afraid of these animals." 

This first stone constituted the beginning of a course that probably changed the life of the entire humanity and that resulted in the fact that human beings linked courage to weapons.  The man carved the stone, it made it sharp and when one day he killed another animal in order "to protect himself," he got carried away with the feelings of fury and enthusiasm and he cut the animal into pieces with his stone knife.  This way, human beings got acquainted with the art of war. 

He felt hungry after such hard work.  He could not see any fruits he could eat in the surrounding.  He had seen many times other carnivorous animals eat meat.  Maybe he could also eat the animal's meat.  He had a small bite.  It was difficult to chew.  Furthermore, the taste did not resemble anything that he had eaten so far.  He chewed the meat with difficulty and finally he swallowed it.  He had another bite, and yet another.  He was full and he felt a sort of joy.  He gathered the remaining meet and he began to run home.

He felt nauseous on the way home.  His body was rejecting this new thing that it was not accustomed to.  Suddenly he felt sick, his head involuntarily moved down, and he threw up.  He had never vomited before.  He was very afraid.  He collapsed on the ground and he waited until he cooled down.  After pulling himself together, he returned home with his plunder.  He talked to his family about his experience and about how delicious the meat was.  He did not mention the part about the throwing up.  He did not want his wife and his children to see him as a "strange creature."  He ordered all of them to eat meat.  They ate, they vomited, and later they ate again.  They continued to eat and to vomit until their bodies learned to accept the meat.  Human beings got acquainted with carnivores. 

The warrior/hunter man who wanted his wife to warm up in the cold, took the bow and the arrow he had made that made hunting much easier and he set off.  He went and he killed a deer, the most harmless and the least dangerous animal in the forest.  He had done this many times.  This is why it was a very easy task to accomplish.  He approached this animal.  They had used the meat of this animal so far.  This time however, he did not intend to use its meat.  He removed its fur and he gave it to his wife as a present with pride.  He proposed to eat its meat for supper.  He did not even apologize to the deer for this.  As of now, his wife would not feel cold or hungry.  Furthermore, given that he had ensured that his wife is warm and full, she would love him more. 

This warrior/hunter discovered a new way to make his wife to love him more.  He was very happy.  His wife covered herself with the fur and she felt warm.  She wanted to thank her man.  She prepared dinner for him, but this time the dishes that she prepared were more delicious than ever.  She spread large leaves on the high stone that was located in front of the cave.  When collecting these leaves, she did not even bother to ask for the permission of the trees in the surrounding.  The stone looked delightful.  Later, she placed the wooden bowls that her husband had carved on the stone table that had been colored with the leaves that were collected without the permission of the trees.  The family members had never expressed their gratitude for the food that was placed in the wooden bowls.  Similarly, this time the bowls were full of the flesh of the deer, which was actually hunted for its fur. 

The woman was so busy making her husband happy that she simply forgot that the dear deer, "which was a part of the whole, should have been sanctified due to the fact that it sacrificed itself for warming and feeding them."  Neither did she sanctify the fruits and the vegetables.  That night they ate their meal.  The man was peaceful because he was able to warm his wife, and the woman was peaceful because she was able to prepare a more delicious dinner for her husband.  They were very happy.  In the morning, they once again woke up with tummy ache.  For one reason or another, they felt too heavy. 

Similar developments occurred in various homes during the next several days.  Each and every male began to believe that he should warm his wife, while each and every woman began to understand that it is necessary to appreciate her man by trying to make him happy with unprecedented methods.  With the exception of several couples, all of them began to benefit from the riches of the world, but they forgot to express their gratitude for these riches.  Gradually, additional people began to get up with tummy aches every morning.  More and more people began to encounter intestine problems.  However, none of them tried to understand the reason behind this. 

Did everything begin in this manner?  I certainly do not know.  This is merely a speculation.  This step or similar steps might have been the beginning of the competition between human beings.  What is important is not how it began, but where life that is based on "the awareness of separateness, rather than unity" is taking us. 

The approach that is based on "my deeds should be more special and more beautiful in order to ensure that my spouse is happier" became so widespread that human beings began to wait for the appreciation and the compliments of others in order to understand that they are important and worthy.  Each and every deed became old news shortly and there was need for new discoveries.  Human beings were forced to constantly think of new things for receiving more love and appreciation.  The desire to be liked and loved led to the desire to look more elegant, more graceful, and more beautiful than the others.  Finally, the barter method that was used in meeting various needs was no longer useful.  It was possible to exchange wheat for rice, but it was necessary to sacrifice large amounts of the weak in the stocks in order to prepare a garment with dozens of meters of fancy cloth that would be different and more special than the other garments. And furthermore, the tailor needed tomatoes, rather than wheat.  Finally, money was invented. 
 

It became necessary to work harder and to create additional resources for bigger houses, more beautiful horses, and fancier dresses.  The philosophy of "everything is for my spouse" was gradually replaced with the philosophy of "everything is for rising collectively."  The majority of the human beings were no longer satisfied with the appreciation and the compliments that they received from their spouses.  The less they loved and appreciated themselves, the more need they felt to be liked by the people in the outside.  As of now it was necessary to be more courageous, more wealthy, more knowledgeable, and more of everything.  Almost everyone was unhappy, but no one was able to express this lack of happiness.  Everything that they did not want to become was limited to the phrase "more unhappy." 

Finally one day one of them said that he did everything he did for "humanity, rather than for his wife and himself."  "If I am able to produce more, I do this for the entire society, rather than for my family.  The thing that I produce makes you happier, fuller, and more tranquil," he said.  Interestingly, dozens of people who worked for him for very low wages did not oppose this statement.  Later this statement, turned into an approach that was appreciated and encouraged by almost the entire society. With the exception of several individuals who have been refused to participate in this  game since the beginning of time, thousands, among them children and adults, who were not able to understand that such an approach would eventually destroy moral values volunteered to become a part of this vicious cycle.  Despite the fact that each and every person knew deep inside that his desire to become more successful merely stemmed from his desire "to receive more love and appreciation," no one had the courage to speak this out loud. 

The social resources were used up.  As a result, searches were conducted for new resources.  Instead of fishing, the ships were sent to discover new ports that would bring new riches.  The human being who had initially killed an animal - without actually receiving the permission of the animal -- for warming his wife, currently killed, enslaved, and used in forced labor human beings who were not as "civilized" as he was. 

After undergoing this period and after filling stomachs, exploited societies began to find time to ponder over the fact that they were being treated unjustly.  They began to say "no to exploitation" in small groups and in various places.  Shortly, the uprising lit the freedom fire inside all the individuals of the society.  The exploiters were forced to free their slaves one by one.  The truth is that freeing them was not such a loss.  When going back to their happy homes, the exploiters proudly knew that they had taught the others the values of modern life.  They were aware of the fact that they had strongly placed the "awareness of separation" among those who had now gained their freedom.  It would not be difficult to find new methods for exploiting these poor people with remote control.  The continuation of the exploitation order was dependent on persuading each and every person that whatever was being done was right.  It was about time for the beginning of such a flow.

The phrase "everything is for the society" was replaced with the phrase "everything is for humanity."   This was the beginning.  Moral values almost totally disappeared.  The collective rise of humanity became the most important goal.  All other creatures that share the world with us were perceived as "parts of the whole that exist for serving human beings."  Flowers were collected and placed in vases.  These flowers were replaced with other flowers without even waiting for them to die.  To massacre animals during major hunting parties became an ordinary and natural part of everyday life. 

Human beings easily felt worthless and inadequate.  A person's worth was presented as synonymous to his production within the society.  Even the amount of gold, which had already been replaced with banknotes, that each and every person owned was not adequate for becoming influential among certain circles.  Those who were not aristocrats began to play incredible games in order to be able to purchase names with the aid of money and power.  Robbery, bribery, all kinds of tricks, and all kinds of methods were permissible as long as these methods led the person to move to the higher classes.  Despite the fact that certain persons were able to become parts of "higher" classes, the majority was outside the society. 

Everything was for human beings.  Under such circumstances, human beings should have also existed for human beings.  To use others for one's personal desires gradually began to be viewed as a rising virtue in the degenerated society.  To exploit human beings -- especially in a way that not only serves one's personal interests, but also enables others to benefit from it -- was viewed as one of the most virtuous acts.  After all, human beings existed for human beings.  If he were not stupid, he would not let you exploit him. 

Shortly the deception to the effect that everything was for human beings turned into a statement that almost conquered all hearts.  Each and every step that was taken for the sake of elevating and developing human beings, rather than humanity, became more and more important.  The entire system began to undergo restructuring.  New laws, new research programs, new approaches… It was as if a new way of life was being created.  Everyone erroneously believed that resources which were being used jauntily would never end.  Those who used all other resources with the motto or "what is important is human life and the protection of human life is an obligation" continued to secretly exploit human beings.  A sector became so uncomfortable with this order of exploitation that it made efforts for establishing a new system through revolutions.  These revolutions led to the establishment of new exploitation orders.  Instead of making use of revolutions, wiser societies began to try softer methods that were difficult to distinguish and that served only specific sectors.  Statements related to human rights, labor rights, women's rights, and children's right began to be heard everywhere.  Each sector was blaming the other.  They began to find new reasons for blaming each other, for showing that the other sector was worthless, and even for killing the members of the other sector.  Nongovernmental organizations which promised to provide services in various fields began to blossom everywhere. 

The unions began to define their members as "the working class" in order to protect the rights of the laborers.  These people who brought about class discrimination with the statements of their leaders appreciated so much their leaders, who supposedly waged a struggle in order to achieve better rights, that a union mafia was eventually established. 

The doctors said that human health is the most important thing.  They developed brand new diagnostic methods with modern tools.  Given that no one said: "if you had done the best, you would not have to conduct research for something better," a new diagnostic tool appeared every single day.  Given that human health was the most important and the most valuable thing, it was necessary to transfer the highest amount of resources to this field.  And given that pharmaceuticals constituted the treatment part of human health, this sector should also receive its share of the cake.  This way, the medicine mafia was established. 

The lawyers talked about the "supremacy of the law" and they used the man-made and sometimes very ambiguous laws in order to clear various mafias.  They ensured the release of many people who have committed serious crimes by making use of these ambiguities and this way, they become rich and "respectable." 

The journalists who were not able to find sensational news under the motto of the freedom of receiving information began to fabricate reports.  They did not hesitate to launch slander campaigns against others.  This became so widespread that the need for saying:  "ooops, this is wrong we apologize" no longer existed.  When this was not enough, something called tabloid press emerged.  Almost everyone wanted to know about the lives of famous people.  They began to follow famous people and to exhibit their lives.  They still hid behind the motto of "the people have the right to receive information."  Featuring or broadcasting each and every thing that these people did became so popular that those who were in need of promotion began to invite these press members to the doors of their houses. 

Social advisers talked about "woman's and children's rights" and, behind closed doors, they exploited those who asked for their assistance.  In addition to the fact that they avoided to give any explanations on where the donations were being spent to, these institutions intimated even those who asked many questions with threats and intrigues and continued to do what they want.

As these institutions and organizations, whose numbers gradually increased, encouraged the "awareness of separation," rather than the "awareness of unity" human beings began to change and to return to their most primitive state.  As of now, the statement to the effect that "everything is for human beings" was of no importance.  Individuals once again began to feel:  "I want to exist; I want to gain respectability; under such circumstances I should utilize each and every source on my way to this end."  And as a result, the era of "everything is for my personal development" began. 

Centers that provided information and held seminars regarding various "personal development" methods began to pop up everywhere.  A new sector had emerged.  Furthermore, this sector was an "elite" sector that provided services to those who mainly aimed to have a strong place in the society and who enjoyed a high income level.  Institutions that provided service in the fields of "Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Shiatsu, Tai Chi, Aikido therapies" were established in each and every corner.  Despite the fact that "individual in the society" constituted their main theme, in their promotion these institutions put to the fore the theme of "living in the awareness of unity."  Indians and Tibetans who had been considered "primitive and stupid" for many years were suddenly introduced as the wisest people in the world. 

The medical profession which had been considered one of the most important professions for many years was suddenly considered "worthless."  Modern medicine was replaced with a field that was put forward under the name of "alternative or complementary medicine."  It was as if this branch constituted an alternative to modern medicine or as if these methods had been just discovered.   

Teachers, constructors, butchers, farmers, fishermen -- in short everyone -- hid behind the statement of "everything is for human beings" and began to exert efforts for creating his own wealth.  Instead of educating the children, the schools began to train the children "to pass the tests of educational institutions."  Fishermen began to fish by using methods that destroyed the bottom of the sea.  The butchers butchered animals in unhealthy places and sold their flesh.  Constructors built buildings that did not have enough iron and cement and sold them for excessive prices.  Farmers used excessive amounts of hormones in order to ensure that the plants grew sooner.  There is no doubt that it is possible to increase the number of these examples in a way that will include each and every social character. 

Even if the economy classes given in the universities supposedly supported the participation of the society in production as well as all out development, the first thing that was taught in these lessons was that 'the resources were inadequate and that something else would be charged for everything that was used."  In addition to the "I am inadequate" view that was unconsciously possessed by human beings, the understanding to the effect that "not only you, but everything around you is inadequate" began to get stronger. 

Under such circumstances, there was only one thing to do.  To receive a big share of the existing resources and to hide these resources until all other resources totally disappear.  This approach was the natural outcome in a society which acted with the awareness of "lack of abundance," rather than the awareness of "abundance."  There is no doubt that such an approach would have its own consequences. 

All the resources that would later be used by those who live with the awareness of "lack of abundance" were taken from the pool.  The fact that the resources were taken from the pool and were placed in secret corners resulted in the fact that the shares of the growing cake became smaller.  All eyes were turned toward the appetite-whetting and apparently nonexistent part of the cake.  As a result, a new product was put to the fore by the hour and production was encouraged constantly.  Technology developed at a speedy rate.  Furthermore, thousands of products which facilitated life and which could not even be imaged a century ago were marketed as a result of the needs.  These products whetted the appetites of those who hid the resources and encouraged them to remove their wealth from their boxes. 

It is possible to describe all these developments as "good" and "bad" -- in line with your own standpoint.  If your standpoint includes tolerance and good intentions, you will say:  "If we had not adopted the awareness of separation and lack of abundance, we would not have experienced so much distress, but we would not have all these products that facilitate life either."  Or if your standpoint lacks tolerance and good intensions, however, you will say:  "If we had always adopted the awareness of abundance and unity, we would have been so happy that we would not have needed all this anyway." 

There is also a "middle course" -- the course that has been taken by those who, instead of purchasing value and love, have always lived with the knowledge that they are valuable and lovable.  These people had never chosen any other course anyway.  They walked in the same road since the first day of human existence and they reached their current place.  These people had been part of the minority in the Western society for many years.  Furthermore, their number gradually decreased in the Eastern society.  Currently, they began saying: "Everything is part of the whole and everything exists for the sake of the whole."  Maybe these people never became rich in money and property.  Maybe they never had a strong!!!! place in the society.  Maybe their spouses were never appreciated as much as the spouses of the neighbors.  Still however, they never abandoned the motto of "everything is for the sake of the whole." 

I believe that compared with the others, these people lived in more love and happiness.  They accepted the blessings of modern life with love and enthusiasm and they continued to express gratitude for the food products on their tables.  Instead of living in high buildings that harm human health, they continued to live in small buildings that supported their health and they began to bring up the future generations with love and respect. 

It is possible to adopt this aforementioned middle course by melting all extremes in a pot and by accepting that all resources belong to the whole. 

To pass from individualism to integrity will enable you to hear the voice of your conscience and to pass from the truth that you have learned to the facts that you have become aware of.  Then, the fisherman, the farmer, the doctor, the lawyer, the journalist, the educator, the teacher, the worker, the civil servant -- in short, each and every person from each and every profession -- will carry out the requirements of his profession "for the sake of the whole, rather than for the sake of human beings" in the best possible way and without fear.  Or will he?