In the context of today’s global economic circumstances, India’s ancient economic philosophy emerges as a possible ray of hope. A powerful nation like the United States, blinded by arrogance, is imposing trade tariffs not only on its neighboring and allied nations but also on underdeveloped and developing countries. In such times, India’s economic principles like “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family), “Sarva Jana Hitaya, Sarva Jana Sukhaya” (For the welfare and happiness of all), and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness) come to mind naturally.
According to Indian economic philosophy, earning wealth is not inherently wrong, but failing to use it according to Dharma (righteousness) is. The current policies of the Trump administration clearly reflect the misuse of amassed wealth to threaten and dominate other nations. The U.S. is aggressively pushing its bilateral trade agreements with ultimatums: failure to comply will result in high tariffs on imports from the concerned nations.
It is true that several countries have progressed significantly in recent decades and are now counted among developed nations. Yet, while their citizens have achieved material prosperity, they are lacking inner peace and mental well-being. This dissatisfaction has led to frustration, resulting in decisions that harm society at large. In Western nations, due to capitalist policies, some individuals are focused solely on their own economic growth, neglecting the state of others in their community. The pursuit of wealth often comes at the expense of fellow citizens. America today is no different, appearing to aim for global supremacy through policies that potentially damage other nations. Meanwhile, a significant portion of the global population continues to suffer from hunger, poverty, and unemployment. The gap between the rich and the poor is steadily widening, exacerbating income inequality.
According to Hindu Sanatan Dharma, human life was not meant to be lived in constant struggle and suffering. Life is to be lived peacefully, with dignity. Yet, people today are increasingly fixated on material consumption—food, clothing, luxury housing, entertainment, sexual gratification, and indulgence—treating these as life’s ultimate goals. But desires are infinite; satisfying one leads to the birth of another. This is the essence of Western capitalist thought.
In this context, Guruji Golwalkar, the second Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stated:
“The Western concept of happiness is entirely rooted in fulfilling physical desires. As a result, raising living standards simply means accumulating more material pleasures. This obsession disconnects man from higher values and reduces life to a purely consumerist experience.”
He further noted that the insatiable thirst for material comforts leads to hoarding wealth, which in turn demands greater power to protect and expand it. But this quest doesn’t end at national boundaries—powerful nations begin to oppress and exploit others, leading to conflict and destruction. Once this cycle begins, it rarely ends. All moral boundaries collapse, and humane values vanish.
Although these thoughts were expressed nearly 65–70 years ago, they apply perfectly to America’s current global behavior. Under the slogan “Make America Great Again,” Donald Trump has prioritized American economic interests above all, even if it means damaging underdeveloped and developing nations. The focus remains on protecting the gains of American corporations, regardless of how it impacts the global community.
A Contrast in Economic Thought: East vs. West
Indian economic thought stands in stark contrast to Western capitalist ideology. In Sanatan Dharma, wealth and pleasure must be governed by Dharma. Restraint (sanyam) is central. Any action within limits is acceptable; beyond limits, it invites instability. Excessive indulgence is discouraged. While accumulating wealth is not condemned, its consumption has moral boundaries. It must serve not just personal comfort, but also the family, society, culture, and future generations.
In the West, wealth is viewed as personal property to be consumed without restraint. Every effort is made to multiply it by any means. True happiness, however, is felt internally, not achieved through external luxuries. As Guruji aptly observed:
“Our ancestors understood that human beings are not mere bundles of desires. Sensual pleasures can give temporary satisfaction, but not lasting joy. True happiness is eternal, uninterrupted, and free from external disturbance.”
He emphasized that Indian Arthashastra (economics) was not purely about wealth—it was also Niti Shastra (ethics). We must now develop a new national economic model, grounded in our cultural values and original thinking.
For instance, Mahatma Gandhi advocated trusteeship to decentralize wealth. He believed that while individuals may produce as much as they can, the wealth generated must belong to society. It must not be hoarded for personal luxury, but distributed for the greater good.
True happiness does not lie in endlessly multiplying desires, but in minimizing them. Guruji did not support an economy that encouraged constant desire escalation, but one that led toward desirelessness—a state of peace and balance. He believed that economic activities must enhance the happiness of all, pointing toward fair distribution and an end to exploitation.
After all, no individual can experience joy in isolation—social cooperation is essential. Hence, true happiness arises not from conflict, but from mutual harmony.
Conclusion: A Lesson for the West
In essence, India’s ancient economic philosophy contains powerful lessons for the Trump administration and other global leaders. It teaches us that wealth must be earned and used righteously, with consideration for society and future generations. While the West focuses on accumulation and consumption, India emphasizes restraint, morality, and collective welfare.
