Dignified Economic Development

Does economic development entail alienation? The Industrial Revolution displaced countless millions of people from the countryside and the communal life of the village, driving them into the dark anonymity of the factory or the mine. The tightly knit village community was replaced by the anonymous environment of the vast industrial city: where loneliness often was the status quo. Development, as it occurred then, and continues to occur to this day in the developing world, tears human beings apart and breeds alienation to an incredible degree in human affairs.
Craftsmen who took pride in their work simply could not compete with the legions of uncaring workers doing piece work on a vast scale in the factories. Pride and fulfillment replaced with alienation.
In order to build a society of solidarity, and an economy of dignity, we must build strong ties and relationships between human beings. A strong sense of togetherness is crucial for an effective society. Human beings are social beings and we must be together, work together, and support one another if we are to achieve our true potential as individuals, as a society, and as a species.
All must find fulfillment in the role that they play in society, and thus strive for perfection in their role; aware of its importance, not only to themselves, but to society, and to humanity as a whole. That is the source of real economic development and it can only come from the development of human potential. Human beings must understand that our individual purposes interlock to form one great human purpose that embraces our entire species. We must stand together against the scourge of alienation. United we win, and when humanity stands unified dignity shall prevail in this world.