Danton - Preface

Departure of volunteers fro the front, 1792. Banner says: "Liberty of Death", Gouache by the Lesueur brothers

Preface

Secondly, it is rightly contended that the proper inspiration to turn to value-orientation is provided by biographies, autobio­graphical accounts, personal anecdotes, epistles, short poems, stories of humour, stories of human interest, brief passages filled with pregnant meanings, reflective short essays written in well-chiselled language, plays, powerful accounts of historical events, statements of personal experiences of values in actual situations of life, and similar other statements of scientific, philosophical, artistic and literary expression.

Thirdly, we may take into account the contemporary fact that the entire world is moving rapidly towards the synthesis of the East and the West, and in that context, it seems obvious that our teaching-learning material should foster the gradual familiarisa­tion of students with global themes of universal significance as also those that underline the importance of diversity in unity. This implies that the material should bring the students nearer to their cultural heritage, but also to the highest that is available

Fourthly, an attempt should be made to select from Indian and world history such examples that could illustrate the theme of the upward progress of humankind. The selected research ma­terial could be multi-sided, and it should be presented in such a way that teachers can make use of it in the manner and in the context that they need in specific situations that might obtain or that can be created in respect of the students.

The research team at the Sri Aurobindo International Institute of Educational Research (sAHER) has attempted the creation of the relevant teaching-learning material, and they have decided to present the same in the form of monographs. The total number of these monographs will be around eighty to eighty-five.

It appears that there are three major powers that uplift life to higher and higher normative levels, and the value of these powers, if well illustrated, could be effectively conveyed to the learners for their upliftment. These powers are those of illumi­nation, heroism and harmony.

It may be useful to explore the meanings of these terms — illu­mination, heroism and harmony — since the aim of these mono­graphs is to provide material for a study of what is sought to be conveyed through these three terms. We offer here exploratory statements in regard to these three terms.

Illumination is that ignition of inner light in which meaning and value of substance and life-movement are seized, under­stood, comprehended, held, and possessed, stimulating and in­spiring guided action and application and creativity culminating in joy, delight, even ecstasy. The width, depth and height of the light and vision determine the degrees of illumination, and when they reach the splendour and glory of synthesis and harmony, illumination ripens into wisdom. Wisdom, too, has varying de­grees that can uncover powers of knowledge and action, which reveal unsuspected secrets and unimagined skills of art and craft of creativity and effectiveness.

Heroism is, essentially, inspired force and self-giving and sac­rifice in the operations of will that is applied to the quest, reali-

Harmony is a progressive state and action of synthesis and equilibrium generated by the creative force of joy and beauty and delight that combines and unites knowledge and peace and stability with will and action and growth and development. Without harmony, there is no perfection, even though there could be maximisation of one or more elements of our nature. When illumination and heroism join and engender relations of mutuality and unity, each is perfected by the other and creativity is endless.

The study of Danton is one of the most appropriate studies in connection with the theme of heroism. Danton was not him­self a great hero, but he poured the force and vigor of heroism among the people of France, and the atmosphere of heroism surged forth everywhere in France. "We must dare, and dare, and dare..." became a force of mantra which even today stirs us to take the path of courage against difficulties and obstacles.

It must also be noted that the French Revolution aimed at the union of three great ideals: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. There can be^—no better definition of harmony than the union of these three ideals. When we read about Danton, we must remember that, even in his fierce battle against the established agencies of oppression, Danton's heart was the heart of a lover of his motherland, and it was his effort towards harmony that ultimately lead him to be guillotined.

Lastly we must also remember that heroism and harmony have their true birthplace in the realm of illumination. Thus this monograph will give a potent message of illumination, heroism and harmony.

Portrait of Danton, painting by Constance Charpentier, c. 1790