Why We Should Not Fight but Save Ourselves from Internal Evils

By Rajesh A. M., IFSIndian Forest Service Officer, Manipur Cadre

A Call for Inner Peace

The universe thrives on balance — the interaction between different forms of matter and energy sustains its rhythm. In a similar way, human societies are built upon countless interactions: cooperation, competition, mutual support, and conflict. Yet, unlike nature, which achieves harmony through diversity, human beings often choose conflict over coexistence.

We fight over religion, caste, language, land, and identity — forgetting that the greatest battles are the ones we must fight within ourselves: against hatred, anger, ego, and intolerance. This internal struggle is what truly defines our humanity. The internal Evils

The Science of Interaction: Lessons from Nature

Ecology teaches us that all life forms interact in specific ways:

• Competition – where both sides are affected negatively,

• Commensalism – where one benefits without harming the other,

• Mutualism – where both benefit, and

• Predation – where one gains at the cost of the other.

Unfortunately, most human societies are dominated by competition and predation rather than mutualism. History reveals that wars, riots, and conflicts are rarely fought for noble causes but for power, identity, and resources.

Understanding Our Shared Humanity

Science reveals a humbling truth — 99.9% of human DNA is identical. The minute differences that create variations in our skin color, height, or culture amount to less than 0.1%. These variations are nature’s design — meant to maintain diversity, not division.

The greatest battles are not fought on borders or streets, but within — against The Internal Evils of hatred, anger, and intolerance.

If all humans were genetically identical, a single disease could wipe out the entire species. Diversity is therefore essential for survival. Similarly, cultural and social diversity sustains human civilization. Our differences are not flaws; they are the threads that weave the fabric of humanity.

The Power and Beauty of Diversity

Imagine a world with only one language, one religion, and one culture — it would be monotonous and lifeless. Diversity brings curiosity, creativity, and progress. Take the example of Manipur, a small yet culturally rich state. Within a few hours of travel, one can witness vibrant differences in attire, cuisine, music, and festivals. This is not something to divide us but to celebrate — a living museum of human creativity and coexistence. When we fight over religion, caste, or land, we destroy the very foundation of this beauty. The true strength of humanity lies not in uniformity but in unity amidst diversity.

Why Fighting Over Land Makes No Sense

Science offers another profound lesson through plate tectonics — the study of Earth's moving continents. Millions of years ago, all land on Earth was united in a single supercontinent called Pangaea. Over time, it broke apart and drifted to form the continents we see today.

Even now, the Indian plate is moving beneath the Eurasian plate at 5–10 cm per year, gradually shrinking our landmass. This simple scientific fact shows that land is not permanent — it moves, merges, and separates continuously.

So, why do we fight over something as temporary as land when the Earth itself is in motion? What we truly own are not pieces of land, but the love, peace, and legacy we leave behind.

The Cost of Conflict

Wars and social strife cause unimaginable suffering. Beyond the visible destruction lie the unseen scars — the trauma, the broken families, the lost opportunities. The number of people killed or maimed by human violence far exceeds deaths from diseases or accidents.

Each time we resort to hate, we add to this tragedy. When someone shows anger or violence, it only reflects a deep void within — a longing for understanding, compassion, and connection.

Even in life-threatening situations, blood from one person can save another, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Our humanity is our greatest common bond — stronger than any boundary or belief.

Fight the Right Battles

If we must fight, let it be against our internal evils — hatred, arrogance, greed, and intolerance. These are the true enemies of peace.As a society, we must redirect our energy from hate and hostility toward constructive causes:

• Fighting corruption,

• Building local institutions,

• Managing community resources, and

• Strengthening education and development.

Let our collective struggle be for progress, not for prejudice.

Unity Through Shared Pride

Sports often remind us of what true unity feels like. When athletes like Mary Kom, P.V. Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, or Sunil Chhetri represent India, we cheer not for their religion or caste, but for our shared identity — India.

If humanity were to face a threat from another world, such as an alien invasion, we would instantly unite to defend Earth. Why wait for such an external force to realize that we are all part of the same team — the human race?

We can achieve the same unity even now, through empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Globalization and the Need for Tolerance

Globalization has connected the world more than ever — economically and socially. Yet, paradoxically, violence and intolerance persist. The problem lies not in diversity, but in our inability to accept it.

Nature thrives on imperfection. Trying to create a homogeneous world — one religion, one culture, one identity — is a path to disaster. Homogeneity is death; heterogeneity is life.

Choose Humanity Over Hatred

The world doesn’t need more wars; it needs more understanding. The true revolution begins when we stop fighting each other and start fighting our own inner evils. Let us leave behind a legacy of peace, compassion, and unity — something our future generations can cherish with pride.

Let’s remember:The more we divide, the weaker we become; the more we unite, the stronger humanity grows.

Rajesh A. M., IFS, Indian Forest Service Officer, Manipur Cadre,

Joint Resident Commissioner, Government of ManipurManipur Liaison Office, Bengaluru | Manipur Guest Houses, Mumbai & Vellore