tktt: The Common Origin Of Man

“Enq:  What do the written statutes of your Society advise its members to do besides this? On the physical plane, I mean?

 
Theo:  In order to awaken brotherly feeling among nations we have to assist in the international exchange of useful arts and products, by advice, information, and cooperation with all worthy individuals and associations (provided, however, add the statutes, “that no benefit or percentage shall be taken by the Society or the ‘Fellows’ for its or their corporate services”).

 
For instance, to take a practical illustration. The organization of Society, depicted by Edward Bellamy, in his magnificent work “Looking Backwards”, admirably represents the Theosophical idea of what should be the first great step towards the full realization of universal brotherhood.

 
The state of things he depicts falls short of perfection, because selfishness still exists and operates in the hearts of men.

 
But in the main, selfishness and individualism have been overcome by the feeling of solidarity and mutual brotherhood; and the scheme of life there described reduces the causes tending to create and foster selfishness to a minimum.

 
Enq:  Then as a Theosophist you will take part in an effort to realize such an ideal?

 
Theo:  Certainly; and we have proved it by action. Have not you heard of the Nationalist clubs and party which have sprung up in America since the publication of Bellamy’s book? They are now coming prominently to the front, and will do so more and more as time goes on.

 
Well, these clubs and this party were started in the first instance by Theosophists. One of the first, the Nationalist Club of Boston, Mass., has Theosophists for President and Secretary, and the majority of its executive belong to the T.S.

 
In the constitution of all their clubs, and of the party they are forming, the influence of Theosophy and of the Society is plain, for they all take as their basis, their first and fundamental principle, the Brotherhood of Humanity as taught by Theosophy.

 
In their declaration of Principles they state: “The principle of the Brotherhood of Humanity is one of the eternal truths that govern the world’s progress on lines which distinguish human nature from brute nature.” What can be more Theosophical than this? But it is not enough.

 
What is also needed is to impress men with the idea that, if the root of mankind is one, then there must also be one truth which finds expression in all the various religions – except in the Jewish, as you do not find it expressed even in the Kabala.”

 
H. P. Blavatsky