The world’s seven great religions – namely, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Islam - amongst them account for a following of over 75 per cent of the world’s population in one or other of their many manifestations. They have all endured in a form not far removed in essence from their original manifestation for an average of over 1500 years, although in their societal role they have evolved, sometimes quite dramatically. That survival rate favourably compares to an average Fortune 100 life span of 42 years. It also favourably compares to the average age of the sovereign state of around 200 years.

The reason for their long-term success is that, as institutions, they satisfy a set of universal and psychological needs. All of the great religions evolved over at least 1000year period in response to fundamental needs, adapting to the changing environmental until they hit on a formula that worked. They have therefore had plenty of ti

The world’s seven great religions – namely, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Islam - amongst them account for a following of over 75 per cent of the world’s population in one or other of their many manifestations. They have all endured in a form not far removed in essence from their original manifestation for an average of over 1500 years, although in their societal role they have evolved, sometimes quite dramatically. That survival rate favourably compares to an average Fortune 100 life span of 42 years. It also favourably compares to the average age of the sovereign state of around 200 years.

The reason for their long-term success is that, as institutions, they satisfy a set of universal and psychological needs. All of the great religions evolved over at least 1000year period in response to fundamental needs, adapting to the changing environmental until they hit on a formula that worked. They have therefore had plenty of t

The world’s seven great religions – namely, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Islam - amongst them account for a following of over 75 per cent of the world’s population in one or other of their many manifestations. They have all endured in a form not far removed in essence from their original manifestation for an average of over 1500 years, although in their societal role they have evolved, sometimes quite dramatically. That survival rate favourably compares to an average Fortune 100 life span of 42 years. It also favourably compares to the average age of the sovereign state of around 200 years.

The reason for their long-term success is that, as institutions, they satisfy a set of universal and psychological needs. All of the great religions evolved over at least 1000year period in response to fundamental needs, adapting to the changing environmental until they hit on a formula that worked. They have therefore had plenty of t

The reason for their long-term success is that, as institutions, they satisfy a set of universal and psychological needs. All of the great religions evolved over at least 1000year period in response to fundamental needs, adapting to the changing environmental until they hit on a formula that worked. They have therefore had plenty of t

Religions provide a context of moral authority and a framework, which offers the chance for personal redemption. Every party to it feels infused with a virtuous ambition to propagate the religion’s way of doing things. They emphasise looking beyond selfinterests and working towards a common good. They are essentially optimistic in their outlook and their view of the competitive universe is positive. It confirms at every turn that the future is worth fighting for. There is an intense level of enquiry and debate about objectives and goals that dispels the status quo and keeps the process of re-invention moving ahead of the industry. Millions of people have sacrificed their lives in providing full-time services for their beliefs in their religions and they are paid a pittance. Some have even died as martyrs for their beliefs in their religions through the centuries. That’s the power of the spiritual paradigm.

If a human soul buys into an idea like a faith or religion with a passion, with total commitment, the bounds of what we are collectively capable are quite simply astounding.