MONDAY MUSINGS SEASON 2 - EPISODE 258

Laws of Power

22nd April 2024

कच्चिद् व्यपास्तान् अहितान् प्रतियातामः च सर्वदा | दुर्बलान् अनवज्नाय वर्तसे रिपु सूदन || Valmiki Ramayan 2-100-37

What connects Valmiki, Vyas, Thiruvalluvar, Chanakya & Robert Greene?

I mentioned in the last episode that ‘Great minds do think alike’. Who are these great minds? They are Valmiki, Ved Vyas, Thiruvalluvar, Chanakya & Robert Greene.

We have seen from the above sloka in Vamiki Ramayan that an enemy shall not be taken lightly though already weakened and defeated. Enemy can bounce back any time and create trouble. Vyasa emphasized the same point in Mahabharath through our last episode’s story of ‘Jayadratha’s pardon’. Jayadratha was captured, defeated and humiliated but the Pandavas pardoned and released him only to pay the price of their magnanimity during the Kurukshetra war where Jayadratha killed Abhimanyu.

#FlammableEmbers

Next in the chronological order is Thiruvalluvar. Thiruvalluvar in his thirukkural goes a step further in advising that leaving an enmity half-completed is like not extinguishing a fire fully because fire can start even from the embers and destroy everything, It seems as if Thiruvalluvar got his inspiration for this thirukkural from the Mahabharath story.

வினைபகை என்றிரண்டின் எச்சம் நினையுங்கால் தீயெச்சம் போலத் தெறும். Thirukkural 674

Leaving a task or an enmity half-done is like not extinguishing a fire fully. The fire can reignite even from the embers.

What a stupendous and appropriate simile. Even a spark, ash, ember can ignite big fire. Similarly, a weakened enemy can recoup and create big trouble unless fully neutralized.

#ChanakyaQuoteOnEnemy

Next in the order is the words of political strategist Chanakya. Chanakya being a political strategist, expressed his point forthright. He is not a poet and hence does not require simile. Otherwise, he repeated same sentiment. Chanakya said in his Arthasashtra.

Valmiki, Vyas, Thiruvalluvar and Chanakya are from the times of kingdoms and wars. Protecting the kingdom and winning the wars were considered the primary responsibility of the kings. Hence quality of winning the enemies was considered the primary trait for the kings. But would this line of thought be relevant and applicable in modern times of international treaties & peace. Would this be applicable for corporate battles?

Robert Greene, modern American author of the famous book “48 laws of power” says “yes”.

"48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene is a renowned book that explores the dynamics of power and the strategies that individuals and groups can employ to achieve and maintain power. The book is a comprehensive guide for understanding and navigating the complex world of power and influence.

#LawNo15

He concurs with Chanakya that enemies need to be crushed totally. His Law No. 15 says,

“Crush your enemy totally. Don’t go halfway with them or give them any options whatsoever. If you leave even one ember smouldering, it will eventually ignite. You can’t afford to be lenient”.

If you leave your enemy, they might eventually recover and seek revenge. Ultimately, you can only gain peace and serenity if your enemies cease to exist.

This is not necessarily a violent thought. The advice is not to kill the enemies but to neutralize them ie leave them no room to bounce back.

If you manage to remove all of your opponent’s options, they will have no choice but to bend to your will. By giving them nothing to negotiate with and no room to manoeuvre, you will have crushed them.

History has many incidents to prove Robert Greene’s law. Failing to adhere to Law 15 can result in ongoing challenges to your power, as enemies left partially defeated may regroup and seek revenge. A historical example of this is Napoleon Bonaparte’s failure to decisively crush the Russian army during his invasion of Russia in 1812. The Russian forces, though severely weakened, were able to regroup and launch a counteroffensive, ultimately contributing to Napoleon’s downfall.

Another example can be found in the aftermath of World War I, when the Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany but did not fully dismantle its military capabilities. This failure to crush Germany completely led to a resurgence of German power under Adolf Hitler and the eventual outbreak of World War II.

Monday Musings will continue with the next sloka from the next episode.

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POSITIVE NEWS PAGE

In the hustle and bustle of electioneering heat, UPSC last week announced the list of toppers for 2024. When every other media is trumpeting the inspiring success story of All India topper, Aditya Srivastava , I would like to take up here the inspiring story of Animesh Pradhan who cleared UPSC Civil Services exam with an impressive All India Rank of 2 in his first ever attempt at UPSC CSE.

What is more impressive is that Animesh achieved this distinction amidst many adversities and did not attend any coaching class for cracking UPSC. He lost his father in 2015 during his schooling and lost his mother to cancer during the interview preparation for UPSC CSE.

The 22-year-old from Angul district in Odisha wanted to clear the exam "as soon as possible" to make his mother proud. "I knew that she only had a few days as she was suffering from terminal cancer. I wanted to crack it (the exams) as soon as possible so that I could make her proud,". Pradhan said.

Pradhan wishes to work at the grassroots and wants to play a role in offering essential services such as education and healthcare to "marginalised" communities. "I wish to work for the people at the grassroots and change their lives. I will work to ensure better education and healthcare to the people especially to the marginalised communities and backward areas," he said.

Pradhan advises UPSC aspirants to fight through adversities and keep their support system open while preparing for the exam. "Adversities would come in life but they need to stay strong and keep their support system open which will help them get motivation," he said.

I remember here Vidura’s quote in Vidura Neeti

“Anirvedaha shriyo moolam laabhasyacha shubhasyacha!

Mahaan bhavat anirvinnaha sukham cha aanantyam ashnute!!”

Anirvedaha ie Resilience against adversities is the basis for eternal happiness as well as growth.  Animesh Pradhan proved Vidura right.

______________________________________________________________________________________Conceived, compiled and posted by Jaganathan T (www.authorjaganathan.com) as a weekly newsletter of positive information, MONDA MUSINGS in #LinkedIn for LinkedIn readers. Please Like, Share, Read, Improve, Develop others.

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