The Asian Renaissance
by Anwar Ibrahim

"I grew up in a time of great social transformation wherein the interplay of ideas and events coincided with the rise of student activism, religious revivalism and political turmoil. Not content to be a mere bystander, I chose to be an active participant instead. I emerged from all this convinced that, while a life of contemplation and solitude can indeed be invigorating to the mind and the soul a life of contemplation coupled with action and fraternity can be even more so. I have no regrets for the road not taken because the one that I took has led me to a challenging and fulfilling public life. And it is in this domain that I will continue to actively and fully participate in the realization of the higher ideals of life. What these ideals are, this book will attempt to elucidate."

     -Anwar Ibrahim, in the preface of his book The Asian Renaissance -

The Asian Renaissance
by Anwar Ibrahim

Published in 1996, The Asian Renaissance is essentially a compilation of Anwar's essays and speeches. Guided by Islamic injunctions and philosophy, and drawing upon universal values inherent in other faiths, as well as upon the thoughts and wisdom of great thinkers and philosophers, Asian and otherwise, Anwar shines an illuminating light on the future of Asian societies.

He discusses the issues and challenges facing our societies with refreshing clarity and thorough understanding. And admits that "undoubtedly, the issues are far from simple, but the current debate on the subject is mired in misunderstanding and prejudice, with one side fervently whitewashing Asia and the other constantly deprecating it. It is not simply a matter of pitting the virtues of Asia against the vices of the West."

The Asian Renaissance says Anwar, "entails the growth, development and flowering of Asian societies based on a certain vision of perfection; societies imbued with truth and the love of learning, justice and compassion, mutual respect and forbearance, and freedom with responsibility."

Faith and religious practice, says Anwar, "is not confined to the individual," but "permeates the life of the community." "It is religion rather than any other social force which makes Asia a continent of infinite diversity. Thus, the renewal of faith and the assertion of multiculturality is an integral component of the Asian Renaissance."

"The economic rise of Asia, though critical and fundamental, is only a dimension of a much deeper, more profound and far-reaching reawakening of the continent which may be called the Asian Renaissance. By Asian Renaissance we mean the revival of the arts and sciences under the influence of classical models based on strong moral and religious foundations; a cultural resurgence dominated by a reflowering of art and literature, architecture and music and advancements in science and technology."

"As the fresh blossoms of the Asian Renaissance are only beginning to appear, it is crucial that the nurturing process be sustained if it is to be brought to fruition. The task is rendered all the more challenging as we enter the twenty-first century, which certainly will be more complex and mystifying than the present one. It is only with a clear sense of direction and conviction that we may navigate the perils of the new millennium."