INTERNATIONAL PROGRESS ORGANIZATION

DECLARATION OF THE FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

PROGRESS MEANS striving to perfect human nature in such a manner that man would be enabled:

a) to attain the greatest possible insight (reflexion);

b) to meet his fellow men with tolerance in the realms of the theoretical (ideology) as well as the practical (politics). This tolerance would have to be born out of the theoretical knowledge and perception that should be achieved to the greatest possible degree;

c) on the basis of this knowledge man should be enabled to form his physical surrounding in such a manner that the biological assets may be safeguarded not only for the survival of mankind but would be equally apt to form our world in such a way that would give happiness to the individual as well.

We aspire to realize these aims by following the principles of internationalism, universalism and pacifism.

I: INTERNATIONALISM

We want to emphasize close cooperation with the United Nations as we profess their goal of international coexistence to be ours as well, and we consider it our task to bring the knowledge and understanding of such ideals to as large an audience as possible; we want to promote mutual respect among nations in regard to their cultural heritage in order to prepare the ground for peaceful and constructive coexistence; and we stand for tolerance and fairness towards minorities or groups that are not apt to defend themselves.

II: UNIVERSALISM

Internationalism, when understood as being respect and tolerance towards all creeds and cultures must be born out of a manifold and profoundly humanistic mind: it means a never-ending study of present and past philosophies and yet, at the same time, a critical and open mind towards that knowledge. Critical self-apprehension thus will prepare the ground for a broader and more valid insight into our own modes of life and those of our fellowmen.

III: PACIFISM

We want to analyze and then to establish the conditions for a universal policy of peace by common efforts and co-operation. Peace, as we comprehend it, cannot be a status quo, an unchangeable position but will forever be a process of striving and learning for us all.

"Man did not enter into society to become worse than he was before, nor to have fewer rights than he had before, but to have those rights better secured."^*

"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from aggression."^**

These words by Thomas Paine written during the French Revolution may be of even greater topicality today.

Innsbruck, Tyrol, 30 October 1972

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^* Rights of Man [1], 1791-1792.

 ^** Dissertations on First Principles of Government, 7 July 1795.