The article below is summary of first part of a three part article written by M. S. Srinivasan on Culture and Economic development published by Fourth Dimension Inc.

M.S. Srinivasan is a Research scholar at Sri Aurobindo Society, pursuing studies and research in various fields of knowledge as a part of the spiritual discipline for inner development. The main theme of his studies and research is to evolve an integral-spiritual approach to human development and its application to various fields of knowledge and activities of life with a dominant interest and focus on Management.

The article critiques the modern age’s overemphasis on economic motives at the expense of intellectual, aesthetic, and ethical dimensions that shape cultural life. Unlike ancient civilizations, where economic motives were subordinated to cultural and political goals, today’s lopsided focus on economics stunts humanity’s spiritual, moral, and cultural growth, exacerbating poverty and inequality.

Despite having sufficient resources to eliminate poverty, the real issue lies in inequitable distribution and sharing of wealth and technology. The article criticizes Marxist methods while supporting its ideal of distributive justice, arguing that solving these problems requires a cultural revolution fostering spiritual awakening, unity, and a shift from consumption to sharing.

It also highlights the interdependence of culture and economy. Cultural progress inspires economic prosperity, while economic stability enables cultural pursuits. Drawing from Indian cultural insights, the article calls for a balanced approach to align economic development with cultural and spiritual growth for humanity’s higher evolution.