3.3 Universalism: How progressive philosophies are born
100. The development of an elaborate and progressive philosophical system requires transcending land and ethnicities to aim for universal knowledge—discoveries that are applicable to the entirety of the human species, not just certain categories within it. This is why animistic societies do not typically develop enduring philosophical legacies. If they do, these philosophies often become obsolete as they fail to resonate beyond their specific tribes or ethnicities. The inability to develop a comprehensive philosophical system hampers knowledge growth and affects scientific, artistic, literary, and spiritual development.
101. It is unfortunate that humans often reject universalism, whether in tribal societies or, surprisingly, in modern westernized countries preoccupied with identity politics. The universal impulse has been driving the progress of our species from times immemorial. These are indeed challenging and dangerous times for humanity.
102. In conclusion, it is difficult to find non-dualistic philosophies in purely animistic societies. The beauty of Non-duality is that it encompasses all levels of human perception, recognizing animism as one step in our evolution. Animism may be transcended if its practitioners make conscious efforts to question its relevance to their lives. This is also valid for any dualistic philosophy / perception.
This ends chapter 3, Non-Duality and philosophical challenges in Africa & other animistic cultures of the world. Next chapter will introduce you to the expression of Non-duality in the East. The reader is asked to pay attention to the various expressions of non-duality in Middle and Far Eastern cultures, throughout the ages.