Approach - Vol 2 No 12 - 1960 03

Magazine Overview

This is the final issue of APPROACH, A Monthly Review, Volume 2, Number 12, dated March 1960. Published by Sagittarius Publishers in Pretoria, South Africa, the magazine's editor is Edgar Sievers. The issue's central theme is encapsulated in the cover headline: "CAN OUR WORLD BE SAVED?", which explores humanity's current predicament and offers a path forward through a "cosmic approach" and a set of "Seven Affirmations."

Contents and Key Articles

The issue is structured around a main discussion titled "CAN OUR WORLD BE SAVED?", which is further broken down into five sections:

• "Can Our World Be Saved?" (Page 67): This introductory section addresses the growing concern over global issues such as radioactive poisoning, declining ethics, violence, and economic instability. It argues that while many feel resigned, individuals can rise above these challenges. The article suggests that a "cosmic approach," derived from universal wisdom, is essential to transform the anxious query into a positive affirmation that mankind can, with exertion and in time, save the world. The onus is placed on the individual, with society's institutions to follow.
• I. Wherein This Civilization Has Failed (Page 68-69): This section critiques modern civilization's shortcomings. It posits that human actions often work against universal laws, leading to suffering as a form of cosmic "back-rush" or "justice." The failures are categorized into: 1. Killing & Violence: The article criticizes the casual approach to killing, including the justification of nuclear war and the hypocrisy of preaching "Thou Shalt Not Kill" while consuming animal products. It emphasizes that the Commandment is all-inclusive. 2. Wrong Feeding & other Detrimental Habits: It highlights the importance of mindful practices, diet, and cleanliness for maintaining the body's balance, which is seen as crucial for moral and mental well-being. It criticizes modern diets and habits that lead to physical and psychic distress. 3. Exploitation, Monoculture and Pollution: This point addresses humanity's destructive approach to its environment, including the exploitation of fellow humans, animals, and natural resources. It criticizes monoculture in agriculture, industrial pollution, and the resulting environmental degradation and "pests" as nature's response to human stupidity.
• II. The Seven Affirmations (Page 70-73): This section presents the core of the proposed solution. It acknowledges that overcoming ingrained habits is the main obstacle to change. The Seven Affirmations are presented as incentives for self-progress, focusing on ideals closer to modern reality. These are divided into three affirmations of avoidance and three of exercise:
• Avoidance: Non-Killing, Non-Pollution, Non-Exploitation.
• Exercise: Simplicity, Trust, Cooperation. The article argues that these ideals are tangible and ranked higher than happiness in times of insecurity. It suggests that disarmament talks would fail without incentives like cooperation and partnership, proposing initiatives like the USA and Russia cooperating on raising living standards and space research.
• III. A Programme of Action (Page 74): This section outlines practical steps for implementing the Seven Affirmations. It suggests two main approaches: 1. Enlightenment (educating people through propaganda and examples) and 2. Uniting those who accept the Affirmations to concentrate spiritual and physical force. It calls for individuals and associations to accept the Affirmations and incorporate them into their work. It also proposes forming a "WORLD COMMUNITY OF COOPERATION" that is independent and focuses on a cosmic approach, distinct from the UNO's methods. This community would aim to coordinate global efforts for tasks like reclamation, rehabilitation, and provision.
• IV. Fields of Action (Page 75): This section details specific areas where the Seven Affirmations can be applied. It emphasizes that no field of human activity would be left untouched. Key areas include:
• Family: Its salvation is paramount, involving reorientation in education, social rehabilitation, and penal reform.
• Natural Living: Promoting health through natural healing, non-pollution of nutrition, and extended family units.
• Environment: Re-establishing ecological balances, increasing the biosphere through planting trees, soil conservation, desert reclamation, and non-exploitation of the animal kingdom. It advocates for a vegetarian diet and highlights the need for water conservation, afforestation, and combating pollution.
• Global Projects: Water conservation, dam-building, afforestation, reclamation, desalting, and strengthening the movement against nuclear experiments.
• V. Conclusion (Page 76): The conclusion reiterates the need for a steady, sensible, and considerate attitude in fulfilling tasks. It stresses that while nature works in cycles, human response can be slow due to indolence and a "clogged mind." It calls for a collective effort, symbolized by lifting the lid on the "planet's kettle," to address global problems through simplicity, trust, and cooperation. The article ends with the powerful affirmation: "WE CAN SAVE THE WORLD!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this final issue of APPROACH are the profound failures of contemporary civilization and the urgent need for a fundamental shift in human consciousness and action. The editorial stance is one of critical analysis of existing societal structures, coupled with an optimistic yet demanding call for individual and collective responsibility. The magazine advocates for a "cosmic approach"—a perspective that transcends narrow materialism and embraces universal laws and wisdom. The "Seven Affirmations" serve as the practical framework for this transformation, emphasizing non-violence, environmental responsibility, simplicity, trust, and cooperation as essential virtues for survival and progress. The issue clearly believes that positive change is possible but requires conscious effort, a departure from ingrained habits, and a willingness to embrace a more holistic and interconnected worldview. The publication's closure is noted with appreciation for past support, but the message of hope and action for the future is strongly conveyed.