The Great Misnomer - Why So-Called Economic Development is a Trap
One of the most frequent phrases in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vocabulary was "so-called." He applied it to scientists, philosophers, and, most notably, to "economic development." This was not a casual figure of speech; it was a philosophical indictment. By using this prefix, he declared that what the world calls "development" is actually "entanglement," and what it calls "progress" is actually "regress."
In this collection of quotes, Śrīla Prabhupāda exposes the hollowness of a civilization dedicated to improving the temporary body while starving the eternal soul.
The Cheating Propensity
Why did Śrīla Prabhupāda label this endeavor as "so-called"? Because it makes a promise it cannot keep. Modern economics promises that with enough production and consumption, humanity will be happy. Śrīla Prabhupāda categorized this alongside other major illusions.
Real development means solving the problems of birth, death, old age, and disease. Since a billionaire dies just as surely as a pauper, the "development" of his economic status has not solved his real problem. It is a bluff.
Wasting the "Balance of Life"
Śrīla Prabhupāda offered a sobering calculation of time. From the moment of birth, death begins. Every day passed is a day subtracted from our "balance." He argued that spending this dwindling asset on economic development is a tragedy.
He explained that one cannot get more or less happiness than what is destined by karma. Therefore, the struggle for economic improvement is a waste of the valuable human form of life, which is meant for inquiring about the Absolute Truth.
A Source of Degradation
We are trained to think that building factories, highways, and skyscrapers is a sign of an advanced civilization. Śrīla Prabhupāda saw it differently. He argued that without a God-conscious center, this intense industrial activity degrades human consciousness.
He pointed out that this "development" has led to using plastic ("gutta-percha") instead of gold and silver, and eating margarine instead of ghee—a clear sign of degradation, not advancement.
Puffed-Up by Science
Śrīla Prabhupāda mocks the arrogance of the materialist who thinks he is conquering nature. He points out the cosmic insignificance of our endeavors.
He reminds us that there are other planets with standards of living that make Earth look like a slum. To waste the valuable human form of life trying to improve this "insignificant spot" is a sign of ignorance, not intelligence.
The Mercy of Destruction
In a profound twist, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that when the Supreme Lord wants to show special favor to a devotee, He doesn't give him money—He takes it away.
By smashing the false security of material wealth, Kṛṣṇa forces the soul to seek the only shelter that is actually permanent.
Conclusion
The verdict of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is clear: do not waste time. The soul is eternal, and the body is temporary. Investing all our energy in the temporary is a bad business deal.
Dive Deeper into Srila Prabhupada's Vani
Srila Prabhupada lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category So-called Economic Development. We invite you to click the link above to study the complete compilation and experience Srila Prabhupada's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.