จากบทสัมภาษณ์ พระมหาพงศ์นรินทร์ ฐิตวํโส ในหนังสือ New Heart New World โลกเปลี่ยนไป เมื่อใจเปลี่ยนแปลง
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:: If we strive to develop only in possessions or science but shun virtue, what will become of our world? ::
“If we only focus on the development of worldly affairs and materialism, or rely too much on tangible matters, we are bereft of the spiritual dimensions, which are abstract matters. Putting physical matters first triggers greed and desire. Competition then arises, resulting in anger, and the desire to hurt and offend others. All of these lead to overindulgence and rage. Therefore, if we revel in physical matters, our minds eventually become low. If we lack the process of learning, we will get too caught up in greed, anger, and infatuation.
“In the meantime, if we balance our minds and don’t spend too much time on worldly matters, we will become less greedy and more giving in certain situations. If we have lashed out, reacted badly, and ridden the waves of anger, can we do that less, or abstain altogether?
“We have become infatuated and obsessed with some beliefs, notions, values, and trends. If we can see through all their true and false ideals, and have the wisdom to perceive the world and things as they are, can we try to resist them?
“If we tread this path, we can create balance. External things are commonplace, as they can both benefit and harm us. If we fail to develop our minds, these things can destroy us. But if we gravitate toward something useful and virtuous, these adverse effects of materialism will be reduced. At one point when everything is balanced, we can bring stability to our communities and families’ lives, which leads to a greater development of the mind and advancement in the material world. In this case, it will not become a threat to humanity because humans whose minds are developed will make good use of these developments rather than abuse them.”
From an interview with Phramaha Pongnarin Thitavangso in the book ‘New Heart New World’.