In this section, we will look at areas in which historical developments have contributed to the way we now live and think. Perhaps the most important of these is an area in which the most significant events and ideas occurred first in Asia.

This is the area of religion, which is still the most important factor in the lives of many people all over the world. Unfortunately, while many of us try to follow the teachings of our own religion, we know little about the religions of others. If we studied them, we would see many similarities between other religions and our own, and this would help us appreciate the humanity we share with others.

As Asians, we should also be aware of the fact that practically all the religions practised in the world today began in Asia though of course they have been adapted over the centuries in different parts of the world. The crucial contribution of Asian thinking to the lives of people all over the world should be recognised, given especially that the world is currently dominated by powers and nations from other geographical areas.

The two areas in which this domination is most obvious and most important are considered next in this section. The importance of science and learning in the present age is obvious, but it seems necessary not only to look at developments in this field, but also to touch upon the attitudes and approaches that contributed towards the developments.