Economics Of Mahavira: [02.15] The Economic Concept of Development - Mahechha, Man with Numerous Wants

Modern economics requires us to multiply our wants. If there are more desires then there would be inspiration for initiative, leading to greater efforts. When there are few wants, there would be small effort. Mahavira, while analysing both the characteristics, said that the one who takes great desires would have many wants. He would earn his living by immoral means and would not think of virtues.

By saying so, Mahavira said that such a person would be violent, furious, mean, cunning, insolent, wicked. Mahavira has given the interesting picture of the nature of a mahechha type of person. Such a person will not give consideration to anything. If it were in his self-interest, he would not hesitate even to kill anybody.

Today, many innocent and mute animals and birds are being killed mercilessly for the production of luxuries and cosmetics'. In the manufacture of a number of articles, products from bodies of animals, which are killed, have to be used. For exporting meat, numerous butcheries have to be established killing millions of living birds and animals. Everything is being done for money. Enormous money cannot be earned without so much of violence and fury. Cheating, manipulation, and fraud - all these have to be committed. False accounts, bribery, threat, murder, abduction - all these activities are pursued. All this is associated with the group with great and multiple wants, which is being overwhelmed by the urge for acquisition.

It is indeed difficult to visualize how, having expanded wants and the image for acquisition, one can be saved from evil tendencies. It is imperative that we think of welfare along with what is pleasant. Without controlling wants and limiting desires, we cannot achieve welfare.