Inspire Positivity

In a fast-paced, competitive world, simplicity often seems like a forgotten virtue. While technology advances, and social structures become more complicated, remaining true to oneself, staying grounded, and being straightforward are seen as weaknesses rather than strengths.

It is human nature to explore options to stay ahead of others. There is a famous statement by Chanakya, an ancient Indian philosopher, teacher, and royal advisor who lived during the 4th century BCE., “The straight trees are felled first”. This proverb comes from his renowned work, Chanakya Neeti (also known as Chanakya’s aphorisms or policies), which offers guidance on politics, economics, and human behaviour.

Chanakya was known for his realistic and, at times, pragmatic outlook on human nature and governance. The phrase “The straight trees are felled first” symbolizes how those who appear to be straightforward, honest, or virtuous are often the first to be taken advantage of or exploited. It reflects the harsh reality that in a competitive, deceptive, or corrupt world, simplicity and openness can make one vulnerable to harm, just as tall and straight trees are easily noticed and cut down by woodcutters.

In Chanakya Neeti, this saying is often interpreted to warn against being too trusting or naive in a world full of manipulation and cunning. It teaches that while virtues like honesty and straightforwardness are admirable, they can sometimes put individuals at risk, especially in power dynamics or hostile environments.

Broader Meaning and Relevance

This statement remains relevant today in various contexts—whether in politics, business, or social interactions. In competitive fields, people who are straightforward may be targeted first by those with ulterior motives. It highlights the need for wisdom, strategic thinking, and self-protection in certain situations.

Prior to Chanakya, the famous epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata also explored how simple characters like Lord Rama and Yudhishthira suffered at the hands of deceitful and greedy individuals, waiting decades to receive justice. From ancient times, humans have been prone to becoming more complex. Over time, they evolved into beings driven by self-obsession and selfishness. Today, aided by information technology, we find ourselves in an era where personal interaction has diminished, clouded by the addiction to social media platforms.

Yet, the intrinsic human nature to seek validation and show off remains powerful, manifesting itself in the form of a fake and virtual world. There is a mindless competition to post edited photographs, reels, videos, and more on social media. Tragically, we frequently hear painful news of young people taking unnecessary risks to capture selfies or create reels, only to lose their lives—for what? Simply for a fleeting moment of fame, through ‘likes’ from strangers on social media. Ironically, those who ‘like’ these reckless acts often do not even remember the names of the individuals involved. It’s all just momentary entertainment, a brief thrill.

Yet, this obsession seems to have maddened society to the point where people have forgotten the genuine simplicity that once fostered lasting relationships, true pleasure, and solace.

This blog explores the challenge of staying simple and humble in this artificial world, through my poetic reflections in both Hindi and English.

सरलता की चुनौती

आज के परिवेश में,
साधारण या परिस्थिति विशेष में,
कठिन है सरलता से जीना,
छलनी कर देते हैं लोग कटाक्ष से सीना।

जहाँ आप सरल हुए, बाकी सब हुए सावधान,
हर छोटी-बड़ी क्रिया की होगी बारीकी से जाँच।
नहीं मिला कुछ तो विवेचन होगा विशेष,
इलज़ाम का किसी न किसी किया जाएगा समावेश।

केकड़ों की जमात में आए हो, तो खींचे जाओगे,
तुम चाहो न चाहो, एक बार तो नीचे जाओगे।
उठने देने की नहीं है किसी को इस जमात में इज़ाज़त,
सरल रहना चाहते हो तो रखो अपने आप को अपने तक।

The Challenge of Remaining Simple

In today’s world and circumstances,
Whether in general or in select instances,
It’s tough to live with simplicity,
As people pierce the heart with abrupt cruelty.

The moment you show simplicity, others grow wary,
Every little action of yours, they begin to carry.
And if they find nothing, they’ll fabricate,
Some accusation or another, they will create.

Once you’ve entered the class of crabs, they’ll pull you down,
Whether you wish it or not, you’ll be forced to drown.
In this crowd, no one’s allowed to rise,
To stay simple, keeping to yourself would be wise.

Simplicity Ultimately Remains Powerful

In the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama was unjustly sent into exile in the forest along with Sita and Lakshman. Despite this hardship, it was his simplicity, straightforwardness, and unwavering righteousness that ultimately triumphed over the forces of deceit and illusion (Maya). Not only did he rescue Sita, but he also established righteous rulers like Sugriva and Vibhishana in their respective kingdoms of Kishkindha and Lanka. However, this victory did not come without a cost; it involved a bloody war and significant loss of life.

Similarly, in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, were victims of deceit at the hands of their cousins and the cunning Shakuni. The Pandavas were forced into 12 years of exile (vanavasa) in the forest, followed by one year of living in disguise (ajnatavasa). This exile stemmed from Shakuni’s manipulation of the dice in the game of dice (Duta). These examples from ancient epics reinforce the notion that simplicity and virtue are often made to suffer at the hands of deceit and artificiality. Yet, in the end, simplicity prevails—though, sadly, not without bloodshed.

Today, the allurement of social media, which has overwhelmed society, may follow a similar path. It is likely to end eventually, but not before many innocent young lives are affected, driven by the allure of fame and quick wealth. I only wish these individuals are sensitized and made aware of the dangers before they fall into such traps.

The Way Forward

Controlling artificiality in a modern world overwhelmed by gaming, social media reels, dangerous selfies, and the increasing alienation of humans from one another is a complex challenge. The overwhelming presence of digital distractions has created a culture of instant gratification, superficial connections, and constant comparison. However, there are constructive ways forward to mitigate this artificiality and promote more meaningful, grounded, and authentic human interactions. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Fostering Digital Mindfulness

One of the most effective ways to counter artificiality is by promoting digital mindfulness. This involves consciously regulating the time spent on social media, gaming, and other digital platforms. Some key steps include:

• Tech detoxes: Regular digital detoxes or tech-free days to reconnect with the real world. At household level, families should practice, ‘ mobile free times’, ‘limiting screen time’ and  ‘social media free days’.
• Digital content free Social gatherings: There could be societal imposed discipline in social gatherings to minimise use of digital content.    
• Screen time limits: Encouraging users to set personal limits on their daily screen time, particularly for non-productive activities like scrolling through reels or gaming.
• Mindful content consumption: Prioritizing educational, inspirational, or meaningful content over superficial entertainment.

Practicing digital mindfulness helps individuals regain control over their attention, promoting healthier habits and reducing the hold of artificial stimulation.

2. Frequently Emphasizing Real-world Connections

The artificial nature of online interactions often fosters alienation from real human connections. To reverse this, there needs to be an emphasis on rebuilding genuine relationships in the physical world:

• Community involvement: Encouraging people to participate in community events, volunteer work, or local social activities where they can interact face-to-face.
• Family and friend time: Prioritizing in-person interactions with family and friends, whether through shared meals, outdoor activities, or simple conversations without digital distractions.
• Creating shared experiences: Engaging in hobbies, sports, or cultural activities that promote collaboration and real-world interaction, enhancing deeper relationships beyond virtual communication.

3. Educational Reforms and Media Literacy

Part of controlling the spread of artificiality is helping younger generations and adults alike understand the impact of excessive gaming, selfies, and social media use:

• Media literacy: Schools and educational institutions should incorporate media literacy programs that teach students how to critically analyse the content they consume. This includes understanding how algorithms manipulate behaviour, the risks of dangerous trends (like extreme selfies), and the potential consequences of overexposure to artificial realities.
• Digital ethics: Introducing ethics-focused education around technology use, emphasizing responsible digital behaviour and self-awareness in online spaces.

4. Promoting Nature and Physical Well-being

One of the most effective antidotes to artificiality is fostering a connection with nature and physical well-being:

• Outdoor activities: Encouraging activities like hiking, cycling, gardening, or simply spending time in natural environments helps counteract the effects of living in artificial digital spaces.
• Mind-body practices: Promoting practices like yoga, meditation, and mindful breathing exercises can help individuals reconnect with their physical selves and develop inner awareness.
• Digital-free spaces: Creating environments at home, schools, or workplaces that promote “digital-free” zones where people can engage in conversations, relaxation, or creative work without the distraction of screens.

5. Cultural Shift Towards Authenticity

A broader cultural shift is required to tackle the glamorization of artificiality. This can be driven by:

• Celebrating authenticity: Shifting societal values to celebrate authenticity, simplicity, and genuine self-expression rather than appearances, followers, and virtual popularity. Cultural influencers, educators, and public figures should lead by example in valuing real-life achievements over curated online personas.
• Realistic content: Promoting more realistic portrayals of life on social media and in mainstream media—highlighting real challenges, emotions, and imperfections to combat the pressure for perfection created by filters, selfies, and edited reels.

6. Creating Healthy Digital Communities

Instead of alienation, technology can be harnessed to create healthier digital communities:

• Supportive online networks: Platforms that promote shared interests (like book clubs, art communities, or wellness groups) can foster real connections based on common values rather than superficial metrics like likes or views.
• Reducing harmful algorithms: Encouraging platforms to design algorithms that promote positive, meaningful interactions over addictive content and extreme competition for attention.

7. Public Policy and Regulation

Governments and regulatory bodies can play an essential role by:

• Regulating harmful content: Ensuring that digital platforms take responsibility for the spread of harmful trends, such as dangerous selfies, and implement policies that protect users from engaging in hazardous behaviour.
• Youth protections: Strengthening protections for young users, who are particularly susceptible to the allure of gaming, social media, and artificial fame.
• Encouraging digital well-being tools: Supporting policies that encourage companies to develop features that promote user well-being, such as content time-outs, health reminders, and transparency about how content impacts mental health.

Conclusion: Balance and Awareness

The way forward to control artificiality in a world dominated by digital entertainment and shallow interactions is not to reject technology but to find a balance. By promoting digital mindfulness, real-world connections, media literacy, nature engagement, and policy reforms, society can encourage individuals to live more authentically. Ultimately, it comes down to awareness—being conscious of how technology shapes our behavior and choosing to foster deeper, more meaningful human experiences both online and offline.