Once a poor man was told that he could acquire as much land for himself as he could run and retain before the sunset. The poor man started running to obtain the maximum possible wealth for himself. However, he forgot that he had to return to claim that land and only focused on covering more land. By sunset, the man was completely exhausted and later died. He was buried in a small grave, which was just the length of his body.

This story, written by Leo Tolstoy, tells us that human beings do have selfish tendencies when exposed to a large amount of wealth. The poor man could have taken as much as he needed, but his greed did not let him stop, and he ultimately lost everything in his life.

This greed is not restricted to wealth alone but also applies to power, dominance, and status, compelling human beings to engage in unethical and immoral actions. Gandhiji emphasized the importance of fulfilling needs rather than succumbing to greed.

The great Indian epic, Ramayana, narrates the story of King Ravana, considered a good ruler by his people. Despite leading a successful life and being devoted to Lord Shiva, his greed for another person’s wife, Sita, caused his downfall. His life story teaches the lesson of being content with what one has and avoiding greedy choices.

Colonialism, Mercantilism, and Imperialism were ideologies followed by European powers, driven by a desire for better goods and lives. However, their greed for more money and raw materials left colonies devastated and exploited, resulting in conflicts and losses for both sides.

World wars were fueled by countries’ dissatisfaction with ruling their own territories and a desire to rule others. This quest for resources led to massive economic, political, social, and environmental damage, demonstrating that greed leads to destruction and cannot be fulfilled.

Corruption in India is rampant because those involved do not feel they have enough money, despite the government providing sufficient salaries. Greed for a luxurious life leads some officials to resort to corruption, causing harm until they are caught and face consequences.

Defection in politics, witnessed in states like Karnataka, Goa, and Telangana, results from greed for office, ministerial posts, and power. Such greed needs limits, as no amount of power can satisfy those driven by such motives.

Caste discrimination in Indian society stems from the greed to dominate and oppress others, negating principles of equality, fraternity, and liberty. Peace can be achieved if everyone is considered equal, but caste-based discrimination disrupts social harmony.

The tribal way of life, living in harmony with nature, contrasts with mainstream consumerism’s unsustainable use of resources. Tribal people find contentment in fulfilling basic needs, while mainstream society often feels scarcity, illustrating that fulfilling greed only causes unhappiness.

At the international level, governments and multinational companies focus on development goals and growth targets, driven by an insatiable desire for more. Ignoring environmental issues can lead to crises, as evident in the current global environmental challenges.

On a personal level, individuals must realize that insecurities, greed, lust, and ignorance can lead to harmful actions. Chasing society’s manufactured notions of success and the attitude of ‘success at any cost’ can blind individuals from enjoying life’s beautiful moments. The wisdom of elders emphasizes finding happiness in small and beautiful moments.

Indian philosophy, including Jainism and Buddhism, promotes principles like asteya and aparigraha (non-stealing and non-wishing of others’ properties). Right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct can guide individuals on a moral path.

The lives of Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam underscore the importance of moral values, prioritizing society’s interests over personal interests. Examples of minimalism from these leaders emphasize the need to be content with one’s life without insecurity or unnecessary comparison with others in a world of created demands and aspirational impulsion.