When we look back at human history, we clearly see the kinds of disasters caused by obsession. While material obsession is temporary, the obsession with power and the obsession with ideology have left permanent scars on societies.

Material Obsession – A Small Distraction

In ancient India and the Roman Empire, rulers amassed immense wealth. Countless wars were fought for riches. Yet, this obsession with material possessions never lasted forever. Those treasures are nowhere to be found today; but the bloodshed that occurred in pursuit of them remains in history.

Obsession with Power – Wars for the Throne

The obsession with position and authority destroyed many dynasties.

•⁠ ⁠After the Mauryas: Following Ashoka’s reign, his successors killed each other for power, weakening the empire. Eventually, that mighty kingdom broke into small states.
•⁠ ⁠The Roman Empire: Brothers and generals fought bloody wars to capture the throne. Some emperors ruled for only a few months before being overthrown. These struggles for power led to the fall of the Roman Empire itself.

Ideological Obsession – The Most Dangerous

Obsession with ideology inflicted even deeper wounds on societies.

•⁠ ⁠The Crusades: Between the 11th and 13th centuries, Christian kings of Europe fought to seize Jerusalem in the name of divine ideology. Millions perished. Nothing illustrates better how religious obsession can divide societies.
•⁠ ⁠The Islamic Caliphate Splits: After Prophet Muhammad, disputes over succession ( Sunni – Shia divide) led to centuries of bloodshed. A religious community itself was split because of ideology.
•⁠ ⁠The European Reformation: In the 16th century, the Protestant–Catholic divide turned Europe into a battlefield. Countless wars and massacres were carried out in the name of religious doctrine.
•⁠ ⁠In Indian history too, ideological rivalries existed. The contest between Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism was sometimes peaceful, but with royal patronage, they occasionally created deep social divisions.

The Lesson

Material obsession ends at a personal level. Obsession with power can topple a kingdom. But ideological obsession can perpetuate bloodshed across generations. History teaches us one thing clearly— there is no ideology greater than human life, freedom, and dignity.

For democracy to survive, these obsessions must be recognized and restrained. If not, history will continue to teach us the same painful lessons again and again.

— Yours, Raviji ✍️