Khasi Folklore: insight that matches “The Great Ideas of Western Civilization”.

Résumé En

This article describes the aspects of Khasi indigenous knowledge that clearly match the principles that shape Western Civilization's intellectual tradition. Thus, they both provide insight into how to resolve some of the most challenging issues humanity faces as the second decade of the 21 st century draws to a close. The congruence between the foundational concepts and principles shaping Western Civilization's intellectual tradition and Khasi cultural values is especially evident in propositions concerning value rationality; in conceptualizations of the connection between self-formation, social formation, and having an appropriate relationship with the natural order; the essential connection between the self and The Essence of Being, and concerning cardinal principles. This article contributes to the body of literature stressing the significance that indigenous knowledge has for addressing and resolving some of humanity's most pressing issues: the nature-human and self-other dichotomies, social economic development versus harmony with nature, and individual self-interest versus a value creation model for co-creating social reality.