Fulfil Desires Like “Ravan” but Seek Respect Like “Ram”?

Why Do People Eagerly Fulfil Desires Like “Ravan” but Seek Respect Like “Ram”?

[Fulfil desires like Ravan but seek respect like Ram]

A mix of desires and values has always shaped human behaviour. On one hand, people feel a strong urge to satisfy their personal cravings, ambitions, and pleasures—often without much patience, just as the character Ravan represents unchecked desire in the Indian epic Ramayana. On the other hand, those same people long to be respected, admired, and remembered with honour—like Ram, who symbolises discipline, sacrifice, and righteousness. This contrast raises an important question: Why do people act like Ravan when fulfilling desires, yet expect to be treated like Ram when it comes to respect?

The Psychology Behind Desires

To begin with, human beings are driven by natural urges. Desires—whether for wealth, power, recognition, or pleasure—are part of survival instincts. They give motivation, but when uncontrolled, they can lead to impulsive decisions. Acting eagerly to fulfil desires reflects the human tendency to prioritise instant gratification over long-term balance.

Why People Want Respect Like Ram

While desires bring temporary happiness, respect brings lasting fulfilment. In most societies, honour is linked to self-identity and social acceptance. People want to be seen as noble, trustworthy, and respectable because that ensures belonging and legacy. Ram is remembered not because of wealth or pleasure, but because of discipline, truth, and compassion—qualities universally admired.

The Inner Conflict: Ravan vs. Ram in Us

This duality is present in every individual.

The Ravan side pushes us to chase desires—sometimes recklessly.
The Ram side reminds us to seek dignity, harmony, and social respect.

The tension between these two aspects explains why people may behave selfishly in private but expect admiration in public.

Is It Wrong to Have Desires?

Not at all. Desires are natural. However, the problem arises when fulfilling them disregards morality, discipline, or balance. When people act only on impulses, they may enjoy temporary satisfaction but lose the respect they crave.

How to Balance Desire and Respect

To live a more fulfilling life, individuals should not suppress desires but align them with values. Here are some practical ways:

Practice Self-Control – Learn to delay gratification and make thoughtful decisions.
Set Meaningful Goals – Channel desires into achievements that also earn respect.
Learn from Ram’s Qualities – Patience, integrity, and compassion make desires more meaningful.
Reflect on Consequences – Before fulfilling a desire, think of its long-term effects on your reputation.
Find Joy in Balance – Enjoy life’s pleasures while maintaining respect through discipline.

Final Thoughts

The truth is, everyone has both Ravan’s hunger for desires and Ram’s longing for respect within them. What defines a person’s legacy is not the eagerness to fulfil desires, but the ability to pursue them with wisdom and balance. Respect cannot be demanded like desires—it must be earned through consistent values, patience, and integrity.

In the end, people who successfully blend their ambitions with discipline enjoy both the satisfaction of fulfilled desires and the honour of lasting respect.