The Society

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil

There is an ongoing discussion about the Theosophical Society’s first object, concerning the word nucleus. In this context we need to read “a” nucleus. In this editorial’s title, elitist is an adjective and this would indicate that it is referring to an elite and therefore might cause confusion. To come to an appropriate understanding of a word, it is always useful to explore what a word means; sometimes it has a variety of conflicting interpretations. Languages are dynamic and the significance of a word, over time, can change. Let’s examine elite.

ELITE:

1. (This is the aristocratic version) Elite (from late 18th century French élite), is a term that originates from Latin eligere (“to choose, elect”). In political and sociological theory for a small group of powerful people that controls a disproportionate amount of wealth, privilege or political power in a society.

2. (This is the liberal version, according to modern sociologists and anthropologists) The elites (plural) in a society or group are capable of the highest accomplishments in their specific fields, because of their intellectual and psychological development, abilities, and their willingness to share knowledge and skills.  

Elite is also used in military jargon: elite troops. Although we should object to the use of any military force, here it has a positive meaning. Elite troops are often called in to combat terrorist atrocities or to help in the event of a natural disaster. Also in science and education elite relates to the interpretation under # 2. Example: the government in the state of Queensland in Australia, developed an Elite Science Program and on its website, we read the following:

“The Queensland Government is committed to providing world-class education that nurtures excellence, fosters innovation and celebrates diversity. Advancing innovation and research in science education and practice in Queensland Government schools is crucial for cultivating students with the required scientific skills and knowledge for future economic growth.” https://eqi.com.au/study-options/study-tours/elite-science

Although elite, when used as mentioned under # 1 could leave a distorted impression, being outdated and no longer applicable, and taking in consideration that all the words we use, both in writing or in speech, cannot always into detail define an idea and contain limitations, we should not be afraid of the word as such.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Maryanne Zarycka. I'm originally from Burbank, California and moved to Paso Robles, California in 1981. I joined TS in December 2015. I have studied and explored different religions, religious science, metaphysics, assorted beliefs for 30 years, and was a member of the Central Coast Center for Spiritual Living for 10 years. I have always had a deep inner desire to seek the truth and find answers about creation, purpose, karma, reincarnation, and my part in it.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Enrico Stagni, I live in a small village in the province of Vicenza, Northern Italy, not far from Venice. I joined the Italian Theosophical Society on December 25^th 2009, so I’ve been a member of the Italian Section for almost seven years.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

Jan Willem van Zuyden, The Hague, the Netherlands. Member since 2008.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Zeneida Cereja da Silva, and I have been member of the TS since September 11, 1987.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Sergio Moraes Júnior, was born in Rio de Janeiro and I joined the Theosophical Society in 1986, thirty years ago.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Godelieve Nachtegaal, live in The Hague – the Netherlands, and I am a member of The Theosophical Society Point Loma – Blavatskyhouse since September 2004.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Alexey Besputin. Now I’m living in Moscow. I have been attending the meetings of TS in Russia and Ukraine since 2008. I received my TS membership diploma in 2010.

Jan Nicolaas Kind – Brazil

About New Initiatives, Changes, Replacements and Further Growth

New initiatives are always welcome because new challenges offer the possibility to go deep, investigate and renovate. Not everything that takes off as “something new” will ultimately end up being successful, sometimes it is quite the opposite, but we should always try and go for renewal and innovation. Last May when the new roof of the Adyar Theater collapsed it was such a setback, not only for the team headed by International President Tim Boyd, but also for all members. At the same time, this unfortunate incident also offered new possibilities to work harder and do better, for which (and this is obvious) plain courage is required. 

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

Clemice Petter, born in Brazil and member of the Theosophical Society-Adyar since 2008.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

I am Jose Victor Peñaranda of the Philippines. I became a member of the Society in 2001.

1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?

My name is Robert Moore. I live in Santa Barbara, CA. After finding the United Lodge of Theosophists here in Santa Barbara I decided to stay here, so I have been a member of ULT for about 45 years.