Over the past few centuries, especially in the last 300 years, the Western world and civilisation have undergone major changes. In earlier days, much of Europe was strongly influenced by the authority of the Church. The Pope held great power and often played an important role in political and social matters. This influence even extended to global affairs, including drawing lines through maps to which European colonial powers divided and claimed territories in Africa.
Remember Galileo Galilei, a highly innovative scientist who challenged long-held beliefs about the universe? His ideas raised serious questions about how people understood the cosmos and the role of religious authority in scientific thinking. Church leaders strongly opposed his views and he was put on trial because they were seen as going against established religious teachings.
Around the same time in the development of scientific thought, the English scientist Isaac Newton made major contributions by formulating the Laws of Universal Gravitation and laying the foundations of modern physics. His work helped to expand humanity’s understanding of the natural laws that govern the universe.
Looking back, many historians saw the ideas of thinkers such as Galileo and the later discoveries of Newton as part of a wider intellectual movement that led to the Age of Enlightenment in the Western world. This period encouraged reason, scientific inquiry and the questioning of long-established authority.
Knowledge across civilisations
I do not wish to enter the debate about the origins of human beings, often referred to as the Theory of Evolution. However, as someone influenced by Indian civilisation, it is worth noting that there was a time when much of Europe was still developing, while India, China and other parts of Asia and Africa had already established strong centres of learning, trade and culture.
With the rise and spread of Islam, important advances in science, technology, mathematics and astronomy spread across the Middle East and other regions, helping to preserve and expand knowledge. Civilisations such as India and China had already made significant progress in areas such as philosophy, governance, science and commerce.
The rise of modern economic ideas
Around 250 years ago, Europe, especially within the English-speaking spheres of Britain and later the United States, underwent two major transformations in intellectual thoughts and administrative system of governance.
One of the most influential moments was the publication of ‘An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations’ by Adam Smith. The work introduced powerful ideas about economic activity, productivity and the role of individual effort in generating prosperity. It laid the foundations for modern economic thought, highlighting how efficient labour, specialisation and organised markets contribute to the creation of wealth.
At its core, Smith’s philosophy suggests that when individuals pursue their own interests through honest enterprise, they indirectly also contribute to the welfare of the community.
Interestingly, these ideas find a striking parallel in the teachings of Kautilya Niti by Chanakya, the ancient Indian philosopher, economist and political strategist, dating back nearly 2,500 years. While separated by centuries and geography, both thinkers emphasised the importance of productivity, responsibility and structured economic activity. Chanakya advocated a well-organised state, efficient taxation, strong administration and governance that is both ethical and pragmatic as the foundation of prosperity.
Where Adam Smith speaks of free markets and individual enterprise, Chanakya stresses disciplined governance and state responsibility. Taken together, the teachings of Adam Smith and Chanakya present a balanced economic philosophy, one that blends individual initiative with moral responsibility and freedom with structure. This perspective offers a deeper understanding of how communities can achieve not only wealth, but also stability and long-term sustainability.
Smith’s ideas on productivity and enterprise became central to the transformation of economies, helping drive the rapid industrial and financial growth of England and later other parts of Western Europe. Similarly, Chanakya’s insights, extending beyond governance into ethics and human behaviour, continue to remain relevant, offering practical guidance for achieving stability, prosperity and effective leadership in both public and private life.
Lessons from history and the future of civilisation
250 years ago the United States of America formally emerged as a nation-state, built on its own constitutional system of governance. This marked an important moment in modern political history and in the development of democratic institutions.
From both Western and Eastern perspectives, history teaches us that power without wisdom and wealth without ethics eventually lead to imbalance. Adam Smith warned against excessive concentration of power in markets, while Chanakya cautioned rulers against greed, corruption and poor governance. Their combined insights remind us that sustainable progress requires both economic strength and moral restraint.
Western civilisation, particularly in Europe and America, stands at an important crossroads. The pursuit of power, wealth and brute force cannot guide communities forever; sooner or later, they must give way to a more balanced and humane way of living.
Spiritual wisdom and shared human values
When reflecting on history, one thought often comes to mind. What we call Indian civilisation has long influenced large parts of Asia in many ways. Traditions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism have generally placed strong importance on ethical living, self-discipline, inner reflection and living in harmony with nature and community.
In many respects, these traditions present themselves less as rigid systems of belief and more as guiding philosophies for life. Concepts such as dharma (duty and righteousness), karma (the idea that actions have consequences) and the search for inner balance have moulded the way many people across the region think about life and responsibility.
At the heart of this understanding lies the deeper meaning of Dharma as expressed in our shastras through the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, (entire world is one family). This philosophy reflects the essence of Sanatan Dharma, which promotes peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, tolerance and acceptance. These are not signs of weakness, but expressions of inner strength, self-respect and self-restraint. True Dharma teaches that one must live harmoniously with others while upholding one’s own values with dignity and balance.
Similarly, the sacred sound ‘OM’ which holds an important place in traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism is often seen as the primordial sound of the universe and a symbol of unity and ultimate reality. For centuries, chanting Om has been used in meditation and prayer to calm the mind and deepen awareness.
Today, through the global spread of yoga and meditation, OM is recognised and practised around the world, symbolising humanity’s shared search for peace, balance and inner harmony.
In this context, an important idea emerges, focusing on competing with oneself rather than with others. As seen in leaders like Narendra Modi, the weight is on continuous self-improvement instead of comparison. This aligns with dharmic philosophy, where personal growth, discipline and self-mastery are valued above rivalry. True progress lies in becoming a better version of oneself, not in surpassing others.
This approach developed over thousands of years within the diverse cultural landscape of the Indian subcontinent and later influenced other parts of Asia as ideas travelled through trade, scholarship, and cultural exchange. Because of this background, these traditions often appear different from the Abrahamic religions, such as Christianity, Judaism and Islam, which emerged in a different historical and cultural setting and tend to place greater weight on prophetic traditions, scripture and organised religious structures.
It is not my intention to suggest that one tradition is superior to another. Every civilisation and faith has contributed to humanity’s moral and spiritual journey. What truly matters is that we draw from these traditions the wisdom that helps us live more responsibly, peacefully and with greater understanding of one another.
If we look carefully at the teachings of sacred books such as the Bhagavad Gita, the bible and the Quran, we find that their core message is very similar. In different ways, they all stress that there is one supreme divine truth and that human beings should live with compassion, humility and respect for others. The fundamental principle running through these teachings is simple: love fellow human beings, live peacefully and avoid being driven by greed, ego, anger or the constant pursuit of wealth.
A fragile world and the need for peace
The continuing tensions and conflicts in the Middle East serve as a strong reminder of how fragile peace can be in our modern world. Wars and military confrontations may arise from political disagreements, security concerns or historical grievances, yet their consequences are felt most deeply by ordinary people. Increasingly, such conflicts also reflect a deeper struggle for dominance, nations seeking to assert themselves as global powers and extend their influence over others. However, in this pursuit of supremacy, the real question remains: what is ultimately being achieved? While it takes generations to build and nurture a civilisation, its destruction can unfold in a matter of moments.
As we look back on milestones such as the 250th anniversary of The Wealth of Nations and the approaching 250 years since the United States became an independent nation, these moments are not only about looking back. They are also opportunities to look ahead with hope that the lessons of history will guide us toward a more just, balanced and peaceful future.
History repeatedly shows that prolonged conflict brings immense human sufferings, economic strain and instability across regions. While nations may pursue their strategic interests, the global community increasingly recognises that lasting peace can only emerge through dialogue, mutual understanding and respect for human life.
