In a Society Full of Radicals, Why Be a Staunch Conservative?—Bhagavad Gita’s Eternal Wisdom on Conservatism
Ankit Gupta | Mar 08, 2025, 11:23 IST
In an era where radical ideologies dominate public discourse, being a staunch conservative isn’t just a political stance—it’s a necessity for preserving stability, culture, and common sense. The modern world thrives on disruption, but not all disruption is progress. Radicalism often burns down the house without a blueprint for rebuilding it. Conservatism, on the other hand, safeguards what works while making measured improvements
श्रेयान् स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥
(Bhagavad Gita 3.35)
Translation:
"It is far better to follow one’s own dharma (duty), even imperfectly, than to follow another’s dharma perfectly. It is better to die in one’s own duty; the duty of another is fraught with fear."
In an era where radical ideologies attempt to erase centuries of tradition, culture, and morality, standing firm as a staunch conservative is not just a personal choice—it is a duty. The modern world, obsessed with change for the sake of change, has forgotten that not all traditions are chains; many are shields. Societies that recklessly abandon their moral and cultural foundations in the pursuit of so-called progress often find themselves in ruins. But history has shown that civilizations survive only when they uphold their core values, not when they surrender them to mob-driven radicalism.
The Bhagavad Gita, one of the greatest spiritual and philosophical texts, provides the perfect antidote to this disorder. It teaches that order, discipline, and Dharma (righteous duty) are non-negotiable pillars of a stable and thriving society. In contrast, the chaos of radicalism thrives on emotions, impulsive destruction, and rejection of time-tested values. When Krishna urges Arjuna to fight on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, it is not just about war—it is a lesson in the necessity of standing firm in the face of destructive forces, much like today’s conservatives must stand strong against the tide of mindless progressivism.
Conservatism is not about resisting all change—it is about preserving what works and rejecting what leads to ruin. The Bhagavad Gita repeatedly emphasizes the importance of Dharma, or duty, as the force that holds civilization together. Krishna’s teachings make it clear that when a person or a society abandons their Dharma, they invite self-destruction.
Radical movements—whether left-wing or right-wing—thrive on tearing down institutions, traditions, and values that have withstood the test of time. But history teaches us that revolutions often lead to instability, suffering, and unintended consequences. From the French Revolution to the rise of extremist regimes in the 20th century, societies that abandon prudence for radicalism often collapse into chaos. Conservatism, by contrast, values gradual change based on experience and reason rather than reckless experimentation.
Modern radicals reject the very idea of moral and cultural duty. They seek to dismantle institutions like family, faith, and national identity, all in the name of an undefined utopia. However, history has proven that civilizations that abandon their core principles eventually collapse into anarchy. Traditional values—whether they be reverence for the family structure, respect for elders, or adherence to national heritage—are the pillars of long-lasting civilizations. In contrast, radical movements thrive on division, emotionalism, and destruction, with no real roadmap for a sustainable future.
The Bhagavad Gita warns against moral relativism, which is the very essence of radical ideologies. Krishna tells Arjuna that one must act in accordance with their Dharma, regardless of the challenges or personal discomfort it may bring. Today’s world, however, promotes a morality of convenience, where people are encouraged to abandon principles for short-term personal gains.
Radicals argue that truth is subjective and that everything must be questioned—even the most fundamental principles that have guided humanity for millennia. This intellectual anarchy leads only to confusion, nihilism, and ultimately, collapse. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that true wisdom lies in recognizing eternal truths, not in endlessly debating them to justify reckless rebellion. A society that allows itself to be swayed by the latest ideological trends loses its grounding and becomes vulnerable to forces that seek to erode its identity from within.
Radical leftist movements claim to fight for justice, but in reality, they only foster division, victimhood, and resentment. Their ideas are rooted in emotional hysteria rather than rational thought. The Bhagavad Gita warns against such emotional impulsiveness, teaching that true action must be guided by wisdom, discipline, and duty.
Radical ideologies gain traction by appealing to emotions—anger, outrage, and utopian dreams. But emotions are fickle and unreliable foundations for a functioning society. Conservatism, on the other hand, is rooted in logic, history, and experience. It understands human nature as it is, not as radicals wish it to be. That’s why conservative principles—like limited government, personal responsibility, and free markets—have repeatedly produced prosperity and stability.
Modern radicals seek to destroy structures without understanding why they exist. They mock tradition, faith, and cultural pride, but they offer nothing of substance in return. Krishna’s message in the Gita is clear: one must perform their Dharma without getting entangled in the illusions of false righteousness and deceptive causes. Today’s conservative warriors must understand this lesson—not all battles are worth fighting, but the ones that threaten civilization itself demand unwavering resistance.
The Bhagavad Gita makes one thing clear: neutrality in the face of evil is a crime. Krishna rebukes Arjuna for hesitating to fight, reminding him that failing to act when Dharma is at stake is itself an act of cowardice. Many in today’s world believe that staying silent in the face of radicalism is the safe choice—but in truth, it is an act of surrender.
History has repeatedly shown that when good men refuse to take a stand, evil flourishes. Modern conservatives cannot afford to be passive observers while radical forces dismantle their culture, traditions, and moral values. Indifference is complicity, and the Bhagavad Gita teaches that true righteousness requires action, not passive lamentation.
A conservative society thrives on discipline, self-control, and adherence to tradition—qualities that the Bhagavad Gita extols as necessary for a strong and righteous leader. Krishna teaches that real leadership is rooted in self-mastery and a commitment to truth, not in chasing fleeting ideological trends.
Weak societies give in to radical ideologies, surrendering their values under pressure. Strong societies stand firm in the face of opposition, drawing their strength from their adherence to time-tested truths. In today’s world, many leaders lack the courage to oppose radical narratives for fear of backlash. But as Krishna teaches, true duty demands courage, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Radicals claim to be revolutionaries, but in reality, they are often agents of chaos. They tear down institutions, rewrite history, and impose their ideological madness on society. But what do they offer in return? Nothing. The Bhagavad Gita warns against those who seek to dismantle tradition without offering a stable alternative. It teaches that the path of destruction is easy, but the path of preservation and discipline is righteous.
Radicals view history as something to be erased or rewritten. They tear down statues, rewrite textbooks, and vilify their own civilization. But conservatives understand that history is full of lessons—both good and bad. We should learn from the past, not destroy it. A society that despises its own heritage is a society doomed to repeat its worst mistakes.
The true Dharma warrior does not engage in meaningless rebellion. Instead, he fights to protect the sanctity of culture, religion, and national identity. In a world where radicals attack everything sacred, conservatives must be the last line of defense against cultural and moral erosion.
The Bhagavad Gita demands courage, not compliance. It demands action, not hesitation. It teaches that those who stand for truth and Dharma must never be afraid, no matter how powerful the opposition appears. In a society where radical ideologies threaten to erase centuries of wisdom, conservatives must take their stand, drawing strength from Krishna’s eternal teachings.
In the battle of ideas, one must choose a side. Will you be like Arjuna, who chose to fight for Dharma under Krishna’s guidance? Or will you be a bystander, watching your civilization crumble under the weight of radicalism? The choice is yours, but remember—the survival of tradition, morality, and order depends on those who have the courage to defend them.
Ultimately, as the Gita teaches, one must follow one’s duty without being swayed by fashionable radicalism. A society without roots is like a tree without stability—it collapses. Hence, in an era of upheaval, being a staunch conservative is not just a choice but a necessity.
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥
(Bhagavad Gita 3.35)
Translation:
"It is far better to follow one’s own dharma (duty), even imperfectly, than to follow another’s dharma perfectly. It is better to die in one’s own duty; the duty of another is fraught with fear."
The War for Tradition in a Radical Age
The Bhagavad Gita, one of the greatest spiritual and philosophical texts, provides the perfect antidote to this disorder. It teaches that order, discipline, and Dharma (righteous duty) are non-negotiable pillars of a stable and thriving society. In contrast, the chaos of radicalism thrives on emotions, impulsive destruction, and rejection of time-tested values. When Krishna urges Arjuna to fight on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, it is not just about war—it is a lesson in the necessity of standing firm in the face of destructive forces, much like today’s conservatives must stand strong against the tide of mindless progressivism.
Conservatism Preserves Order Amidst Chaos
Peace Amidst Chaos
Conservatism is not about resisting all change—it is about preserving what works and rejecting what leads to ruin. The Bhagavad Gita repeatedly emphasizes the importance of Dharma, or duty, as the force that holds civilization together. Krishna’s teachings make it clear that when a person or a society abandons their Dharma, they invite self-destruction.
Radical movements—whether left-wing or right-wing—thrive on tearing down institutions, traditions, and values that have withstood the test of time. But history teaches us that revolutions often lead to instability, suffering, and unintended consequences. From the French Revolution to the rise of extremist regimes in the 20th century, societies that abandon prudence for radicalism often collapse into chaos. Conservatism, by contrast, values gradual change based on experience and reason rather than reckless experimentation.
Modern radicals reject the very idea of moral and cultural duty. They seek to dismantle institutions like family, faith, and national identity, all in the name of an undefined utopia. However, history has proven that civilizations that abandon their core principles eventually collapse into anarchy. Traditional values—whether they be reverence for the family structure, respect for elders, or adherence to national heritage—are the pillars of long-lasting civilizations. In contrast, radical movements thrive on division, emotionalism, and destruction, with no real roadmap for a sustainable future.
Radicals Reject Dharma, Conservatives Uphold It
Radicals argue that truth is subjective and that everything must be questioned—even the most fundamental principles that have guided humanity for millennia. This intellectual anarchy leads only to confusion, nihilism, and ultimately, collapse. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that true wisdom lies in recognizing eternal truths, not in endlessly debating them to justify reckless rebellion. A society that allows itself to be swayed by the latest ideological trends loses its grounding and becomes vulnerable to forces that seek to erode its identity from within.
The Leftist Delusion vs. The Gita’s Reality
Radical ideologies gain traction by appealing to emotions—anger, outrage, and utopian dreams. But emotions are fickle and unreliable foundations for a functioning society. Conservatism, on the other hand, is rooted in logic, history, and experience. It understands human nature as it is, not as radicals wish it to be. That’s why conservative principles—like limited government, personal responsibility, and free markets—have repeatedly produced prosperity and stability.
Modern radicals seek to destroy structures without understanding why they exist. They mock tradition, faith, and cultural pride, but they offer nothing of substance in return. Krishna’s message in the Gita is clear: one must perform their Dharma without getting entangled in the illusions of false righteousness and deceptive causes. Today’s conservative warriors must understand this lesson—not all battles are worth fighting, but the ones that threaten civilization itself demand unwavering resistance.
The Cowardice of Moral Neutrality
History has repeatedly shown that when good men refuse to take a stand, evil flourishes. Modern conservatives cannot afford to be passive observers while radical forces dismantle their culture, traditions, and moral values. Indifference is complicity, and the Bhagavad Gita teaches that true righteousness requires action, not passive lamentation.
Strength, Discipline, and Duty: The Pillars of True Leadership
Weak societies give in to radical ideologies, surrendering their values under pressure. Strong societies stand firm in the face of opposition, drawing their strength from their adherence to time-tested truths. In today’s world, many leaders lack the courage to oppose radical narratives for fear of backlash. But as Krishna teaches, true duty demands courage, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Radicals Seek to Destroy, Conservatives Seek to Preserve
Radicals view history as something to be erased or rewritten. They tear down statues, rewrite textbooks, and vilify their own civilization. But conservatives understand that history is full of lessons—both good and bad. We should learn from the past, not destroy it. A society that despises its own heritage is a society doomed to repeat its worst mistakes.
The true Dharma warrior does not engage in meaningless rebellion. Instead, he fights to protect the sanctity of culture, religion, and national identity. In a world where radicals attack everything sacred, conservatives must be the last line of defense against cultural and moral erosion.
Be Arjuna, Not a Weakling
The Bhagavad Gita demands courage, not compliance. It demands action, not hesitation. It teaches that those who stand for truth and Dharma must never be afraid, no matter how powerful the opposition appears. In a society where radical ideologies threaten to erase centuries of wisdom, conservatives must take their stand, drawing strength from Krishna’s eternal teachings.
In the battle of ideas, one must choose a side. Will you be like Arjuna, who chose to fight for Dharma under Krishna’s guidance? Or will you be a bystander, watching your civilization crumble under the weight of radicalism? The choice is yours, but remember—the survival of tradition, morality, and order depends on those who have the courage to defend them.
Ultimately, as the Gita teaches, one must follow one’s duty without being swayed by fashionable radicalism. A society without roots is like a tree without stability—it collapses. Hence, in an era of upheaval, being a staunch conservative is not just a choice but a necessity.