Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Beyond self-interest: ancient values for peaceful, prosperous societies
The article says a society cannot be peaceful if everyone thinks only about themselves.
People and groups may follow polite manners but still harm others to get what they want.
This can create unfairness, arguments, and instability.
For example, someone powerful might receive a home before people who have waited longer.
A community might also seek special benefits by promising political support.
The article says people should sometimes give up a small personal advantage to help everyone.
“Sarve bhavantu sukhina” means wishing happiness, prosperity, and health for all.
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” means treating the whole world as one family.
Following these ideas could make homes, schools, and workplaces more peaceful and fair.
A society driven solely by individual or group self-interest lacks lasting unity and common purpose.
Self-centred cultural, religious, ethnic, caste, and political groups can intensify social, economic, and political tensions.
The article says influence and political bargaining can enable unfair access to resources or unreasonable benefits.
Civility and good manners do not guarantee stability if people refuse to sacrifice for the common good.
It presents “Sarve bhavantu sukhina” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” as principles for empathy, fairness, and shared prosperity.
- Who
- Individuals and groups, including cultural, religious, ethnic, caste, and political communities, are the focus.
- What
- The article argues that societies need empathy, cooperation, mutual respect, and sacrifice for the common good rather than narrow self-interest.
- Why
- To promote lasting peace, progress, prosperity, social stability, and a value-based society.
- Central concern
- Self-centred individuals and groups can undermine social unity and stability.
- Consequences
- Self-interest may contribute to tension, conflict, deadlock, stagnation, and disturbance.
- Illustrative example
- A powerful individual may obtain prime land or a flat ahead of people who have waited longer.
- Political example
- A community may seek benefits from those in power in exchange for bloc voting.
- First principle
- “Sarve bhavantu sukhina, sarve santu nirāmayā” means let all be happy, prosperous, and healthy.
- Second principle
- “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” means the whole world is one family.
- Proposed application
- The article calls for homes, schools, and workplaces to embody peace, values, and fairness.