by
Pope John XXIII
on
Christianity and Social Progress
May 15, 1961
PART III
NEW ASPECTS OF THE
SOCIAL QUESTION
NEW ASPECTS OF THE
SOCIAL QUESTION
122. The progress of events and of time made it increasingly evident that the realtionships between workers and management in productive enterprises must be readjusted according to norms of justice and charity. But the same is also true of the systems whereby various types of economic activity and the differently endowed regions within a country ought to be linked together. Meanwhile, within the over-all human community, many nations with varied endowments have not made identical progress in their economic and social affairs.
Just Requirements in the Matter of
Interrelated Productive Sectors
Agriculture: A Depressed Sector
123. First of all, to lay down some norms
in regard to agriculture, we would note that the over-all number of rural
dwellers seemingly has not diminished. Beyond doubt, however, many
farmers have abandoned their rural birthplace, and seek out either the
more populous centers or the cities themselves. Now since this is
the case in almost all countries, and since it affects large numbers of
human beings, problems concerning life and dignity of citizens arise, which
are indeed difficult to overcome.
124. Thus, as economic life progresses and
expands, the percentage of rural dwellers diminishes, while the great number
of industrial and service workers increases. Yet, we feel that those
who transfer from rural activities to other productive enterprises often
are motivated by reasons arising from the very development of economic
affairs. Very often, however, they are caught up by various enticements
of which the following are noteworthy: a desire to escape from a confined
environmment offering no prospect of a more comfortable life; the wish,
so common in our age, to undertake new activities and to acquire new experiences;
the attraction of quickly acquired goods and fortunes; a longing after
a freer life, with the advantages that larger towns and cities usually
provide. But there is no doubt about this point: rural dwellers leave
the fields because nearly everywhere they see their affairs in a state
of depression, both as regards labor productivity and the level of living
of farm populations.
125. Accordingly, in this grave matter, about
which enquiries are made in nearly all countries, we should first of all
ask what is to be done to prevent so great imbalances between agriculture,
industry, and the services in the matter of productive efficiency?
Likewise, what can be done to minimize differences between the rural standard
of living and that of city dwellers whose money income is derived from
industry or some service or other? Finally, how can it be brought
about that those engaged in agricultural pursuits no longer regard themselves
as inferior to others? Indeed, rural dwellers should be convinced
not only that they can strengthen and develop their personalities by their
toil, but also that they can look forward to the future vicissitudes with
confidence.
126. Accordingly, we judge it opportune in
this connection to lay down some norms of permanent validity; although,
as is evident, these must be adapted as various circumstances of time and
place permit, or suggest, or absolutely require.
Provision for Essential Public Services
127. First, it is necessary that everyone,
and especially public authorities, strive to effect improvements in rural
areas as regards the principal services needed by all. Such are,
for example: highway consturction; transport services; marketing facilities;
pure drinking water; housing; medical services; elementary, trade, and
professional schools; things requisite for Religion and for recreation;
finally, furnishings and equipment needed in the modren farm home.
Where these requirements for a dignified farm life are lacking to rural
dwellers, economic and social progress does not occur at all, or else very
slowly. Under such conditions, nothing can be done to keep men from
deserting the fields, nor can anyone readily estimate their number.
Gradual and Orderly Development
of the Economic System
128. It is desirable, moreover, that economic
development of commonwealths proceed in orderly fashion, meanwhile preserving
approrpiate balance between the various sectors of the economy. In
particular, care must be had that within the agricultural sector innovations
are introduced as regards productive technology, whether these relate to
productive methods, or to cultivation of the fields, or to equipment for
the rural enterprise, as far as the over-all economy allows or requires.
And all this should be done as far as possible, in accordance with technical
advances in industry and in the various services.
129. In this way, agriculture not only absorbs
a larger share of industrial output, but also demands a higher quality
of services. In its turn, agriculture offers to the industrial and
service sectors of the economy, as well as to the community as a whole,
those products which in kind and in quantity better meet consumer needs.
Thus, agriculture contributes to stability of the purchasing power of money,
a very positive factor for the orderly development of the entire economic
system.
130. By proceeding in this manner, the following
advantages, among others, arise: first of all, it is easier to know the
origins and destinations of rural dwellers displaced by modernization of
agriculture. Thereupon, they can be instructed in skills needed for
other types of work. Finally, econimic aids and helps will not be
lacking for their intellectual and cultural development, so that they can
fit into new social groups.
Appropriate Economic Policy
131. To achieve orderly progress in various
sectors of economic life, it is absolutely necessary that as regards agriculture,
public authorities give heed and take action in the following matters:
taxes and duties, credit, insurance, prices, the fostering of requisite
skills, and, finally, improved equipment for rural enterprises.
Taxation
132. As regards taxation, assessment according
to ability to pay is fundamental to a just and equitable system.
133. But in determining taxes for rural dwellers,
the general welfare requires public authorities to bear in mind that income
in a rural economy is both delayed and subject to greater risk. Moreover,
there is difficulty in finding capital so as to increase returns.
Capital at Suitable Interest
134. Accordingly, those with money to invest
are more inclined to invest it in enterprises other than in the rural economy.
And for the same reason, rural dwellers cannot pay high rates of interest.
Nor are they generally able to pay prevailing market rates for capital
wherewith to carry on and expand their operations. Wherefore, the
general welfare requires that public authorities not merely make special
provision for agricultural financing, but also for establishment of bands
that provide capital to farmers at reasonable rates of interest.
Social Insurance and Social Security
135. It also seems necessary to make provision
for a twofold insurance, one covering agricultural output, the other covering
farmers and their families. Because, as experience shows, the income
of individual farmers is, on the average, less than that of workers in
industry and the services, it does not seem to be fully in accord with
the norms of social justice and equity to provide farmers with insurance
or social security benefits that are inferior to those of other classes
of citizens. For those insurance plans or provisions that are established
generally should not differ markedly one from the other, whatever be the
economic sector wherein the citizens work, or from which they derive their
income.
136. Moreover, since social security and insurance
can help appreciably in distributing national income among the citizens
according to justice and equity, these systems can be regarded as means
whereby imbalances among various classes of citizens are reduced.
Price Protection
137. Since agricultural products have special
characteristics, it is fitting that their price be protected by methods
worked out by economic experts. In this matter, although it is quite
helpful that those whose interests are involved take steps to safeguard
themselves, setting up, as it were, approrpiate goals, public authorities
cannot stand entirely aloof from the stabilization procedure.
138. Nor should this be overlooked, that,
generally speaking, the price of rural products is more a recompense for
farmers labor than for capital investment.
139. Thus, our predecessor of happy memory,
Pius XI, touching on the welfare of the human community, appropriately
notes in his encyclical Letter Quadragesimo Anno, that "a
reasonable relationship between different wages here enters into consideration."
But he immediately adds, "Intimately connected with this is a reasonable
relationship between the prices obtained for the products of the various
economic groups: agrarian, industrial, and so forth." (Cf.
Acta
Apostolicae Sedis, XXIII [1931], p. 202.)
140. Inasmuch as agricultural products are
destined especially to satisfy the basic needs of men, it is necessary
that their price be such that all can afford to buy them. Nevertheless,
there is manifest injustice in placing a whole group of citizens, namely,
the farmers, in an inferior economic and social status, with less purchasing
power than required for a decent livelihood. This, indeed, is clearly
contrary to the common good of the country.
Strengthening Farm Income
141. In rural areas it is fitting that industries
be fostered and common services be developed that are useful in preserving,
processing, and finally, in transporting farms products. There is
need, moreover, to establish councils and activities relating to vrious
sectors of economic and professional affairs. By such means, suitable
opportunity is given farm families to supplement their incomes, and that
within the millieu wherein they live and work.
Appropriate Organization of Farming Enterprises
142. Finally, no one person can lay down a
universal rule regarding the way in which rural affairs should be definitely
organized, since in these matters there exists considerable vriation within
each country, and the difference is even greater when we consider the various
regions of the world. However, those who hold man and the family
in proper esteem, whether this be based upon nature alone, or also upon
Christian principles, surely look toward some form of agricultural enterprise,
and particularly of the family type, which is modeled upon the community
of men wherein mutual relationships of members and the organization of
the enterprise itself are conformed to norms of justice and Christian teaching.
And these men strive mightily that such organization of rural life be realized
as far as circumstances permit.
143. The family farm will be firm and stable
only when it yields money income sufficient for decent and humane family
living. To bring this about, it is very necessary that farmers generally
receive instruction, be kept informed of new developments, and be technically
assisted by trained men. It is also necessary that farmers form among
themselves mutual-aid societies; that they establish professional associations;
that they function efficiently in public life, that is, in various administrative
bodies and in political affairs.
Rural Workers: Participants in
Improving Conditions
144. We are of the opinion that in rural affairs,
the principal agents and protagonists of economic improvement, of cultural
betterment, or of social advance, should be the men personally involved,
namely, the farmers themselves. To them it should be quite evident
that their work is most noble, because it is undertaken, as it were, in
the majestic temple of creation; because it often concerns the life of
plants and animals, a life inexhaustible in its expression, inflexible
in its laws, rich in allusions to God, Creator and Provider. Moreover,
labor in the fields not only produces various foodstuffs wherewith humankind
is nourished, but also furnishes an increasing supply of raw materials
for industry.
145. Furthermore, this is a work endowed with
a dignity of its own, for it bears a manifold relationship to the mechanical
arts, chemistry, and biology: these must be continually adapted to the
requirements of emerging situations because scientific and technological
advance is of great importance in rural life. Work of this kind,
moreover, possesses a special nobility because it requires farmers to understand
well the course of the seasons and to adapt themselves to the same; that
they await patiently what the future will bring; that they appreciate the
importance and seriousness of their duties; that they constantly remain
alert and ready for new developments.
Solidarity and Cooperation
146. Nor may it be overlooked that in rural
areas, as indeed in every productive sector, farmers should join together
in fellowships, especially when the family itself works the farm.
Indeed, it is proper for rural workers to have a sense of solidarity.
They should strive jointly to set up mutual-aid societies and professional
associations. All these are very necessary either to keep rural dwellers
abreast of scientific and technical progress, or to protect the prices
of goods produced by their labor. Besides, acting in this manner,
farmers are put on the same footing as other classes of workers who, for
the most part, join together in such fellowships. Finally, by acting
thus, farmers will achieve an importance and influence in public affairs
proportionate to their own role. For today it is unquestionably true
that the solitary voice speaks, as they say, to the winds.
Recognizing Demands of the Common Good
147. But when rural dwellers, just as other
classes of workers, wish to make their influence and importance felt, they
should never disregard moral duties or civil law. Rather they should
strive to bring their rights and interests into line with the rights and
needs of other classes, and to refer the same to the common good.
In this connection, farmers who strive vigorously to improve the yield
of their farm may rightly demand that their efforts be aided and complemented
by public authorities, provided they themselves keep in mind the common
needs of all and also relate their own efforts to the fulfillment of these
needs.
148. Wherefore, we wish to honor appropriately
those sons of ours who everywhere in the world, either by founding and
fostering mutual-aid societies or some other type of association, watchfully
strive that in all civic affairs farmers enjoy not merely economic prosperity
but also a status in keeping with justice.
Vocation and Mission
149. Since everything that makes for man's
dignity, perfection, and development seems to be invoked in agricultural
labor, it is proper that man regard such work as an assignment from God
with a sublime purpose. It is fitting, therefore, that man dedicate
work of this kind to the most provident God who directs all events for
the salvation of men. Finally, the farmer should take upon himself,
in some measure, the task of educationg himself and others for the advancement
of civilization.
Aid to Less Developed Areas
150. It often happens that in one and the
same country citizens enjoy different degrees of wealth and social advancement.
This especially happens because they dwell in areas which, economically
speaking, have grown at different rates. Where such is the case,
justice and equity demand that the government make efforts either to remove
or to minimuze imbalances of this sort. Toward this end, efforts
should be made, in areas where there has been less economic progress, to
supply the principal public services, as indicated by circumstances of
time and place and in accord with the general level of living. But
in bringing this about, it is necessary to have very competent administration
and organization to take careful account of the following: labor supply,
internal migration, wages, taxes, interest rates, and investments in industries
that foster other skills and developments--all of which will further not
merely the useful employment of workers and the stimulation of initiative,
but also the exploitation of resources locally available.
151. But it is precisely the measures for
advancement of the general welfare which civil authorities must undertake.
Hence, they should take steps, having regard for the needs of the whole
community, that progress in agriculture, industry, and services be made
at the same time and in a balanced manner so far as possible. They
should have this goal in mind, that citizens in less developed countries--in
giving attention to economic and social affairs, as well as to cultural
matters--feel themselves to be the ones chiefly responsible for their own
progress. For a citizen has a sense of his own dignity when he contributes
the major share to progress in his own affairs.
152. Hence, those also who rely on their own
resources and initiative should contribute as best they can to the equitable
adjustment of economic life in their own community. Nay, more, those
in authority should favor and help private enterprise in accordance with
the
principle of subsidiarity, in order to allow private
citizens themselves to accomplish as much as is feasible.
Imablances Between Land and Population
153. It is appropriate to recall at this point
that in a number of nations there exists a discrepancy between available
agricultural land and the number of rural dwellers. Some nations
experience a shortage of citizens, but an insufficiency of agricultural
land.
154. Nor are there lacking nations wherein,
despite their great resource potential, farmers use such primitive and
obsolete methods of cultivation that they are unable to produce what is
needed for the entire population. On the other hand, in certain countries,
agriculture has so adapted itself to recent advances that farmers produce
surpluses which to some extent harm the economy of the entire nation.
155. It is evident that both the solidarity
of the human race and the sense of brotherhood which accords with Christian
principles, require that some peoples lend others energetic help in many
ways. Not merely would this result in a freer movement of goods,
of capital, and of men, but it also would lessen imbalances between nations.
We shall treat of this point in more detail below.
156. Here, however, we cannot fail to express
our approval of the efforts of the Institute known as F.A.O. which concerns
itself with the feeding of peoples and the improvement of agriculture.
This Institute has the special goal of promoting mutual accord among peoples,
of bringing it about that rural life is modernized in less developed nations,
and finally, that help is brought to people experiencing food shortages.
Requirements of Justice as Between Nations
Differing in Economic Development
Problem of the Modern World
157. Perhaps the most pressing question of
our day concerns the relationship between economically advanced commonwealths
and those that are in process of development. The former enjoy the
conveniences of life; the latter experience dire poverty. Yet, today
men are so intimately associated in all parts of the world that they feel,
as it were, as if they are members of one and the same household.
Therefore, the nations that enjoy a sufficiency and abundance of everything
may not overlook the plight of other nations whose citizens experience
such domestic problems that they are all but overcome by poverty and hunger,
and are not able to enjoy basic human rights. This is all the more
so, inasmuch as countries each day seem to become more dependent on each
other. Consequently, it is not easy for them to keep the peace advantageously
if excessive imbalance exist in their economic and social conditions.
158. Mindful of our role of universal father,
we think it opportune to stress here what we have stated in another connection:
"We all share responsibility for the fact that populations are undernourished.
(Allocution, May 3, 1960; A.A.S., LII [1960],
p. 465.) [Therefore], it is necessary to arouse a sense of
responsibility in individuals and generally, especially among those more
blessed with this world's goods." (Cf. Ibid.)
159. As can be readily deduced, and as the
Church has always seriously warned, it is proper that the duty of helping
the poor and unfortunate should especially stir Catholics, since they are
members of the Mystical Body of Christ. "In this we have come to
know the love of God," said John the Apostle, "that He laid down His life
for us; and we likewise ought to lay down our life for the brethren.
He who has the goods of this world and sees his brother in need and closes
his heart to him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (I
John 3, 16-17.)
160. Wherefore, we note with pleasure that
countries with advanced productive systems are lending aid to less privileged
countries, so that these latter may the more readily improve their condition.
Emergency Assistance
161. It is clear to everyone that some nations
have surpluses in foodstuffs, particularly of farm products, while elsewhere
large masses of people experience want and hunger. Now justice and
humanity require that these richer countries come to the aid of those in
need. Accordingly, to destroy entirely or to waste goods necessary
for the lives of men, runs counter to our obligations in justice and humanity.
162. We are quite well aware that to produce
surpluses, especially of farm products, in excess of the needs of a country,
can occasion harm to various classes of citizens. Nevertheless, it
does not therefore follow that nations with surpluses have no oblgation
to aid the poor and hungry where some particulat emergency arises.
Rather, diligent efforts should be made that inconveniences arising from
surplus goods be minimized and borne by every citizen on a fair basis.
Scientific, Technical, and Financial Cooperation
163. However, the underlying causes of poverty
and hunger will not be removed in a number of countries by these means
alone. For the most part, the causes are to be found in the primitive
state of the economy. To effect a remedy, all available avenues should
be explored with a view, on the one hand, to instruct citizens fully in
necessary skills and in carrying out their responsibilities, and, on the
other hand, to enable them to acquire the capital wherewith to promote
economic growth by ways and means adapted to our times.
164. It has not escaped our attention that
in recent years there has grown in many minds a deep awareness of their
duty to aid poorer countries still lacking suitable economic development,
in order that these may more readily make economic and social progress.
165. Toward this end, we look to councils,
either of a number of nations, or within individual nations; we look to
private enterprises and societies to exert daily more generous efforts
on behalf of such countries, transmitting to them requisite productive
skills. For the same reason help is given to as many youths as possible
that they may study in the great universities of more developed countries,
thus acquiring a knowledge of the arts and sciences in line with the standards
of our time. Moreover, international banks, single nations, or private
citizens often make loans to these countries that they may initiate various
programs calculated to increase production. We gladly take this opportunity
to give due praise to such generous activity. It is hoped that in
the future the richer countries will make greater and greater efforts to
provide developing countries with aid designed to promote sciences, technology,
and economic life.
Avoidance of Past Errors
166. In this matter we consider it our duty
to offer some warnings.
167. First of all, it seems only prudent for
nations which thus far have made little or no progress, to weigh well the
principal factor in the advance of nations that enjoy abundance.
168. Prudent foresight and common need demand
that not only more goods be produced, but that this be done more efficiently.
Likewise, necessity and justice require that wealth produced be distributed
equitably among all citizens of the commonwealth. Accordingly, efforts
should be made to ensure that improved social conditions accompany economic
advancement. And it is very important that such advances occur simultaneously
in the agricultural, industrial, and various service sectors.
Respect for Individual Characteristics of Countries
169. It is indeed clear to all that countries
in process of development often have their own individual characteristics,
and that these arise from the nature of the locale, or from cultural tradition,
or from some special trait of the citizens.
170. Now when economically developed countries
assist the poorer ones, they not only should have regard for these characteristics
and respect them, but also should take special care lest, in aiding these
nations, they seek to impose their own way of life upon them.
Disinterested Aid
171. Moreover, economically developed countries
should take particular care lest, in giving aid to poorer countries, they
endeavor to turn the prevailing political situation to their own advantage,
and seek to dominate them.
172. Should perchance such attempts be made,
this clearly would be but another form of colonialism, which, although
disguised in name, merely reflects their earlier but outdated dominion,
now abandoned by many countries. When international relations are
thus obstructed, the orderly progress of all peoples is endangered.
173. Genuine necessity, as well as justice,
require that whenever countries give attention to the fostering of skills
or commerce, they should aid the less developed nations without thought
of domination, so that these latter eventually will be in a position to
progress economically and socially on their own initiative.
174. If this be done, it will help much toward
shaping a community of all nations, wherein each one, aware of its rights
and duties, will have regard for the prosperity of all.
Respect for a Hierarchy of Values
175. There is no doubt that when a nation
makes progress in science, technology, economic life, and the prosperity
of its citizens, a great contribution is made to civilization. But
all should realize that these things are not the highest goods, but only
instruments for pursuing such goods.
176. Accordingly, we note with sorrow that
in some nations economic life indeed progresses, but that not a few men
are there to be found, who have no concern at all for the just ordering
of goods. No doubt, these men either completely ignore spiritual
vales, or put these out of their minds, or else deny they exist.
Nevertheless, while they pursue progress in science, technology, and economic
life, they make so much of external benefits that for the most part they
regard these as the highest goods of life. Accordingly, there are
not lacking grave dangers in the help provided by more affluent nations
for development of the poorer ones. For among the citizens of these
latter nations, there is operative a general awareness of the higher values
on which moral teaching rests--an awareness derived from ancient traditional
custom which provides them with motivation.
177. Thus, those who seek to undermine in
some measure the right instincts of these peoples, assuredly do something
immoral. Rather, those attitudes, besides being held in honor, should
be perfected and refined, since upon them true civilization depends.
Contribution of the Church
178. Moreover, the Church by divine right
pertains to all nations. This is confirmed by the fact that she already
is everywhere on earth and strives to embrace all peoples.
179. Now, these peoples whom the Church has
joined to Christ have always reaped some benefits, whether in economic
affairs or in social organization, as history and contemporary events clearly
record. For everyone who professes Christianity promises and
gives assurance that he will contribute as far as he can to the advancement
of civil institutions. He must also strive with all his might not
only that human dignity suffer no dishonor, but also, by the removal of
every kind of obstacle, that all those forces be promoted which are conducive
to moral living and contribute to it.
180. Moreover, when the Church infuses her
energy into the life of a people, she neither is, nor feels herself to
be, an alien institution imposed upon that people from without. This
follows from the fact that wherever the Church is present, there individual
men are reborn or resurrected in Christ. Those who are thus reborn
or who have risen again in Christ feel themselves oppressed by no external
force. Rather, realizing they have achieved perfect liberty, they
freely move toward God. Hence, whatever is seen by them as good and
morally right, that they approve and put into effect.
181. "The Church of Jesus Christ," as our
predecessor Pius XII clearly stated, "is the faithful guardian of God's
gracious wisdom. Hence, she makes no effort to discourage or belittle
those characteristics and traits which are proper to particular nations,
and which peoples religiously and tenaciously guard, quite justly, as a
sacred heritage. She aims indeed at a unity which is profound and
in conformity with that heavenly love whereby all are moved in their innermost
being. She does not seek a uniformity which is merely external in
its effects and calculated to weaken the fiber of the peoples concerned.
And all careful rules that contribute to the wise development and growth
within bounds of these capacities and forces, which indeed have their deeply
rooted ethnic traits, have the Church's approval and maternal prayers,
provided they are not in opposition to those duties which spring from the
common origin and destiny of all mortal men." (Encyclical
Letter Summi Pontificatus; A.A.S., XXXI [1939], p. 428-29.)
182. We note with deep satisfaction that Catholic
men, citizens of the less developed nations, are for the most part second
to no other citizens in furthering efforts of their countries to make progress
economically and socially according to their capacity.
183. Furthermore, we note that Catholic citizens
of the richer nations are making extensive efforts to ensure that aid given
by their own countries to needy countries is directed increasingly toward
economic and social progress. In this connection, it seems specially
praiseworthy that appreciable aid in various forms is provided increasingly
each year to young people from Africa and Asia, so that they may pursue
literary and professional studies in the great universities of Europe and
America. The same applies to the great care that has been taken in
training for every responsibility of their office men prepared to go to
less developed areas, there to carry out their profession and duties.
184. To those sons of ours who, by promoting
solicitously the progress of peoples and by spreading, as it were, a wholsome
civiliziing influence, everywhere demonstrate the perennial vitality of
Holy Church and her effectiveness, we wish to express our paternal praise
and gratitude.
Population Increase and Economic Development
185. More recently, the question often is
raised how economic organization and the means of subsistence can be balanced
with population increase, whether in the world as a whole or within the
needy nations.
Imbalance Between Population and Means of Subsistence
186. As regards the world as a whole, some,
consequent to statistical reasoning, observe that within a matter of decades
mankind will become very numerous, whereas economic growth will proceed
much more slowly. From this some conclude that unless procreation
is
kept within limits, there subsequently will develop an even greater imbalance
between the number of inhabitants and the necessities of life.
187. It is clearly evident from statistical
records of less developed countries that, because recent advances in public
health and in medicine are there widely diffused, the citizens have a longer
life expectancy consequent to lowered rates of infant mmortality.
The birth rate, where it has traditionally been high, tends to remain at
such levels, at least for the immediate future. Thus the birth rate
in a given year exceeds the death rate. Meanwhile the productive
systems in such conutries do not expand as rapidly as the number of inhabitants.
Hence, in poorer countries of this sort, the standard of living does not
advance and may even deteriorate. Wherefore, lest a serious crisis
occur, some are of the opinion that the conception or birth of humans should
be avoided or curbed by every possible means.
The Terms of the Problem
188. Now to tell the truth, the interrelationships
on a global scale between the number of births and available resources
are such that we can infer grave difficulties in this matter do not arise
at present, nor will in the immediate future. The arguments advanced
in this connection are so inconclusive and controversial that nothing certain
can be drawn from them.
189. Besides, God in His goodness and wisdom
has, on the one hand, provided nature with almost inexhaustible productive
capacity; and, on the other hand, has endowed man with such ingenuity that,
by using suitable means, he can apply nature's resources to the needs and
requirements of existence. Accordingly, that the question posed may
be clearly resolved, a course of action is not indeed to be followed whereby,
contrary to the moral law laid down by God, procreative function also is
violated. Rather, man should, by the use of his skills and science
of every kind, acquire an intimate knowledge of the forces of nature and
control them ever more extensively. Moreover, the advances hitherto
made in science and technology give almost limitless promise for the future
in this matter.
190. When it comes to questions of this kind,
we are not unaware that in certain locales and also in poorer countries,
it is often argued that in such an economic and social order, difficulties
arise because citizens, each year more numerous, are unable to acquire
sufficient food or sustenance where they live, and peoples do not show
amicable cooperation to the extent they should.
191. But whatever be the situation, we clearly
affirm these problems should be posed and resolved in such a way that man
does not have recourse to methods and means contrary to his dignity, which
are proposed by those persons who think of man and his life solely in material
terms.
192. We judge that this question can be resolved
only if economic and social advances preserve and augment the genuine welfare
of individual citizens and of human society as a whole. Indeed, in
a matter of this kind, first place must be accorded everything that pertains
to the dignity of man as such, or to the life of individual men, than which
nothing can be more precious. Moreover, in this matter, international
cooperation is necessary, so that, conformably with the welfare of all,
information, capital, and men themselves may move about among the peoples
in orderly fashion.
Respect for the Laws of Life
193. In this connection, we strongly affirm
that human life is transmitted and propagated through the instrumentality
of the family which rests on marriage, one and indissoluble, and, so far
as Christians are concerned, elevated to the dignity of a Sacrament.
Because the life of man is passed on to other men deliberately and knowingly,
it therefore follows that this should be done in accord with the most sacred,
permanent, inviolate prescriptions of God. Everyone without
exception is bound to recognize and observe these laws. Wherefore,
in this matter, no one is permitted to use methods and procedures which
may indeed be permissible to check the life of plants and animals.
194. Indeed, all must regard the life of man
as sacred, since from its inception, it requires the action of God the
Creator. Those who depart from this plan of God not only offend His
Divine Majesty and dishonor themselves and the human race, but they also
weaken the inner fiber of the commonwealth.
Education Toward a Sense of Responsibility
195. In these matters it is of great importance
that new offspring, in addition to being very carefully educated in human
culture and in Religion--which indeed is the right and duty of parents--should
also show themselves very conscious of their duties in every action of
life. This is especially true when it is a question of establishing
a family and of procreating and educating children. Such children
should be inbued not only with a firm confidence in the providence of
God, but also with a strong and ready will to bear the labors and inconveniences
which cannot be lawfully avoided by anyone who undertakes the worthy and
serious obligation of associating his own activity with God in transmitting
life and in educating offspring. In this most important matter certainly
nothing is more relevant than the teachings and supernatural aids provided
by the Church. We refer to the Church whose right of freely carrying
out her function must be recognized also in this connection.
Creation for Man's Benefit
196. When God, as we read in the book of Genesis,
imparted human nature to our first parents, He assigned them two
tasks, one of which complements the other. For He first directed:
"Be fruitful and multiply," (Gen., 1, 28.) and
then immediately added: "Fill the earth and subdue it." (Ibid.)
197. The second of these tasks, far from anticipating
a destruction of goods, rather assigns them to the service of human life.
198. Accordingly, with great sadness we note
two conflicting trends: on the one hand, the scarcity of goods is vaguely
described as such that the life of men reportedly is in danger of perishing
from misery and hunger; on the other hand, the recent discoveries of science,
technical advances, and economic productivity are transformed into means
whereby the human race is led toward ruin and a horrible death.
199. Now the provident God has bestowed upon
humanity sufficient goods wherewith to bear with dignity the burdens associated
with procreation of children. But this task will be difficult or
even impossible if men, straying from the right road and with a perverse
outlook, use the means mentioned above in a manner contrary to human reason
or to their social nature, and hence, contrary to the directives of God
Himself.
International Cooperation
World Dimensions of Important Human Problems
200. Since the relationships between countries
today are closer in every region of the world, by reason of science and
technology, it is proper that peoples become more and more interdependent.
201. Accordingly, contemporary problems
of moment--whether in the fields of science and technology, or of econommic
and social affairs, or of public administration, or of cultural advancement--these,
because they may exceed the capacities of individual States, very often
affect a number of nations and at times all the nations of the earth.
202. As a result, individual countries, although
advanced in culture and civilization, in number and industry of citizens,
in wealth, in geographical extent, are not able by themselves to resolve
satisfactorily their basic problems. Accordingly, because States
must on occasion complement or perfect one another, they really consult
their own interests only when they take into account at the same time the
interests of others. Hence, dire necessity warns commonwealths to
cooperate among themselves and provide mutual asistance.
Mutual Distrust
203. Although this becomes more and more evident
each day to individuals and even to all peoples, men, and especially those
with high responsibility in public life, for the most part seem unable
to accomplish the two things toward which peoples aspire. This does
not happen because peoples lack scientific, technical, or economic means,
but rather because they distrust one another. Indeed, men, and hence
States, stand in fear of one another. One country fears lest another
is contemplating aggression and lest the other seize an opportunity to
put such plans into effect. Accordingly countries customarily prepare
defenses for their cities and homeland, namely, armaments designed to deter
other countries from aggression.
204. Consequently, the energies of man and
the resources of nature are very widely directed by peoples to destruction
rather than to the advantage of the human family, and both individual men
and entire peoples become so deeply solicitous that they are prevented
from undertaking more important works.
Failure to Acknowledge the Moral Order
205. The cause of this state of affairs seems
to be that men, more especially leaders of States, have differing philosophies
of life. Some even dare to assert that there exists no law of truth
and right which transcends external affairs and man himself, which of necessity
pertains to everyone, and, finally, which is equitable for all men.
Hence, men can agree fully and surely about nothing, since one and the
same law of justice is not accepted by all.
206. Although the word justice and
the related term demands of justice are on everyone's lips,
such verbalizations do not have the same meaning for all. Indeed,
the opposite frequently is the case. Hence, when leaders invoke justice
or
the demands of justice, not only do they disagree as to the
meaning of the words, but frequently find in them an occasion of serious
contention. And so they conclude that there is no way of achieving
their rights or advantages, unless they resort to force, the root of very
serious evils.
God, the Foundation of the Moral Order
207. That mutual faith may develop among rulers
and nations and may abide more deeply in their minds, the laws of truth
and justice first must be acknowledged and preserved on all sides.
208. However, the guiding principles of morality
and virtue can be based only on God; apart from Him, they necessarily collapse.
For man is composed not merely of body, but of soul as well, and is endowed
with reason and freedom. Now such a composite being absolutely requires
a moral law rooted in Religion, which, far better than any external force
or advantage, can contribute to the resolution of problems affecting the
lives of individual citizens or groups of citizens, or with a bearing upon
single States or all States together.
209. Yet, there are today those who assert
that, in view of the flourishing state of science and technology, men can
achieve the highest civilization even apart from God and by their own unaided
powers. Nevertheless, it is because of this very progress in science
and technology that men often find themselves involved in difficulties
which affect all peoples, and which can be overcome only if they duly recognize
the authority of God, author and ruler of man and of all nature.
210. That this is true, the advances of science
seem to indicate, opening up, as they do, almost limitless horizons.
Thus, an opinion is implanted in many minds that inasmuch as mathematical
sciences are unable to discern the innermost nature of things and their
changes, or express them in suitable terms, they can scarcely draw inferences
about them. And when terrified men see with their own eyes that the
vast forces deriving from technology and machines can be used for destruction
as well as for the advantage of peoples, they rightly conclude that things
pertaining to the spirit and to moral life are to be preferred to all else,
so that progress in science and technology do not result in destruction
of the human race, but prove useful as instruments of civilization.
211. Meanwhile it comes to pass that in more
affluent counttries men, less satisfied with external goods, put out of
their minds the deceptive image of a happy life to be lived here
forever. Likewise, not only do men grow daily more conscious that
they are fully endowed with all the rights of the human person, but they
also strive mightily that relations among themselves become more equitable
and more conformed to human dignity. Consequently, men are beginning
to recognize that their own capacities are limited. and they seek spiritual
things more intensively than heretofore. All of which seems to give
some promise that not only individuals, but even peoples may come to an
understanding for extensive and extremely useful collaboration.