In 1944, two leaders of the Jewish and Christian communities approached Pulitzer Prize winning philosopher Will Durant about creating a movement to raise moral standards. What emerged from this meeting was a decision to create a movement to fight intolerance, instead. Durant created the seminal document of this new movement, the “Declaration of INTERdependence.” The movement started with a bang, featuring gala events in Hollywood, and reached its apex when the Declaration was read into the Congressional Record on October 1, 1945 by the Honorable Ellis E. Patterson. However, the INTERdependence movement soon faded and was replaced by the civil rights movement.
The Will Durant Foundation has now reissued the Declaration of INTERdependence and is collecting signatures. Please proceed across the break to read the Declaration, then send an email to add your name to the signatories.
Declaration of INTERdependence
Human progress having reached a high level through respect for the liberty and dignity of men, it has become desirable to re-affirm these evident truths:· That differences of race, color, and creed are natural, and that diverse groups, institutions, and ideas are stimulating factors in the development of man;
· That to promote harmony in diversity is a responsible task of religion and statesmanship;
· That since no individual can express the whole truth, it is essential to treat with understanding and good will those whose views differ from our own;
· That by the testimony of history intolerance is the door to violence, brutality and dictatorship; and
· That the realization of human interdependence and solidarity is the best guard of civilization.Therefore, we solemnly resolve, and invite everyone to join in united action.
· To uphold and promote human fellowship through mutual consideration and respect;
· To champion human dignity and decency, and to safeguard these without distinction of race, or color, or creed;
· To strive in concert with others to discourage all animosities arising from these differences, and to unite all groups in the fair play of civilized life.ROOTED in freedom, bonded in the fellowship of danger, sharing everywhere a common human blood, we declare again that all men are brothers, and that mutual tolerance is the price of liberty.
To sign the Declaration of INTERdependence, send an email to feedback@willdurant.com . Include your full name, country and city of origin, and occupation.
