“The development of man is a return to an original perfection” suggests that human beings are inherently perfect and over time, we veer away from this state due to various influences such as societal norms, expectations, and our own personal experiences. The idea of ‘development’ here refers not just to physical or intellectual growth but also spiritual or moral evolution. It implies that the journey of personal growth is essentially about rediscovering and reconnecting with our inherent nature or ‘original perfection.’
This concept can be compared to a sculpture chiseling away at a block of marble – the masterpiece already exists within; it’s simply a matter of removing what doesn’t belong. Similarly, humans are born in a state of innate purity and perfection but as we grow older, we accumulate layers upon layers of conditioning which obscure our true selves.
In today’s world, this idea can be applied in numerous ways. In the realm of personal development, for instance, many practices such as mindfulness meditation focus on stripping away these extraneous layers – negative thought patterns or limiting beliefs – so one can reveal their true self underneath.
Furthermore, it could also influence how we approach education and parenting. Instead of trying to mold children into certain shapes that society deems desirable (which may cause them to lose touch with their original selves), parents and educators could focus more on helping children uncover their unique talents and passions.
On a broader societal level too this principle has implications. Many social issues arise from people feeling alienated or disconnected from themselves due to pressures imposed by societal norms or expectations. If society were structured in such way that encouraged people not just conform but also discover who they truly are at core level (i.e., return their ‘original perfection’), these issues might be mitigated significantly.
Hence overall “The development of man is a return to an original perfection” encourages us view growth not as process adding something external ourselves but rather uncovering what already exists within us.