What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?
The content discusses the dangers of deceit and treachery in social dynamics. These dangers are illustrated through the tale of the Mahabharat. A historical incident involving King Dal Deo also highlights this issue. It highlights how such treacherous behaviours can lead to significant harm. These actions affect not only the victims but also the perpetrators themselves. The text emphasises the importance of vigilance in relationships with others, particularly those displaying selfish motives or sycophantic behaviour. Contrasting open confrontation with deceitful actions, it underscores the necessity of being cautious and observant. It advocates for awareness of hidden threats in both personal and societal contexts to safeguard well-being.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Deceit and treachery harm both victims and perpetrators, as illustrated by the Mahabharat and the story of King Dal Deo.
- People must remain vigilant against selfish individuals who engage in backstabbing and deceit for personal gain.
- Awareness of hidden threats is crucial; deceitful individuals often mask their intentions behind sycophantic behavior.
- Precaution and caution serve different purposes; caution involves being alert in uncertain situations while precautions prepare one for known risks.
- Historical examples show that known enemies are easier to handle than deceitful individuals who may act unexpectedly.
Deceitful win
“I need twelve”, he yelled in excitement. His scheming maternal uncle Shakuni responded to his enthusiasm. Slyly smiling, he picked up the specially designed dice in his palm. Rubbing them, as if conjuring, blew air from his mouth. Lo! There were six on each dice!! “Pau Barah”, frenzied Duryodhan shouted, and they won the move. The Kauravas schemed and defeated the Pandavas by deceit and treachery. (Venu Payyanur)
Defeated Yudhisthir
Yudhisthir was defeated again. He was trapped in the vicious scheme of the Kauravas who deceived the Pandavas in the infamous game of dice. Defeated Yudhisthir lost his throne, his entire kingdom, his brothers and even his wife Draupadi. What followed is a horrendous incident that became the cornerstone of the epic war of the Mahabharat.
Harmful
Deceit, treachery, and scheming demean individuals. These characteristics also cause great harm to their victims. The illustration from the legendary Mahabharat highlights the treacherous behaviour and its fallouts. Epic also conveys a message that deceit falls heavily back on the conspirators themselves. It is an oft-repeated and appropriate saying that the trench dug out to harm others becomes a trap for perpetrators. It eventually ensnares those who dug it.
Judging people
There are numerous humans, and no two individuals are identical. The twins look similar in appearance, behaviour and intellect, but here too some differences are present. The most distinct one is in the fingerprints. Behaviourally, people are different as well. Among them, some people judge others as a matter of right. They judge people on the fake criteria they have set themselves without considering other aspects. It is their favourite pastime. Talking in absolute terms, they captiously scathe others, keeping themselves on a high pedestal.
Egotistic
Mendacious and haughty people commonly show such traits. They consider themselves superior to others and wish praise for their “excellent” qualities. Their level of expectations is very high. Superficial showering of praises pleases them but an iota of criticism or difference of opinion infuriate. Enshrouded with an inflated ego and a hollow sense of status and position, their behaviour is authoritarian. Subversion and treachery are their weapons.
construction of a castle in the air
Conspiring against a person or a nation is a serious social crime. In the recent past, the world saw with disdain the subversive act by the enemy neighbourhood of the country. To buttress their lousy frustration, the enemy took the path of creating havoc, but the construction of a castle in the air is impossible. This causes sheer frustration leading to the expression of their sinister wish.
Toxic personality
Weak within themselves, negative people take to backbiting and deceit. The self-centred people often don’t have the qualities to excel. The only “skill” they have is, how to obsequiously orbit around persons in powerful positions and glean the throwaway bits. They behave like a necessary parasite which always harms the organism upon which it is dependent.
Beware of deceit and treachery
People basically act in two ways. One who confronts openly with purpose. Their frontal attack gives their opponents some time to prepare and face the attack. The result depends upon the strengths and weaknesses of the two rivals. Here, the fight is between two opponents in an open duel. In contrast, there are other categories of people who opt for deceit and treachery. They know about their fate in frontal combat. Their subversion goes beyond the slavish behaviour which takes the person off guard and harms.
Those belonging to the second category need a careful watch. One must be conscious of such people. History tells that a slight carelessness led them to doom. The deceit story of king Dal Deo illustrates the point.
King Dal Deo
King Dal Deo was the ruler of the current-day Dalmau, a tehsil of the district Raibareli in Uttar Pradesh (India). People of the kingdom loved their brave king. Jelous Sharkie of the neighbouring Jaunpur could not defeat King Dal. After a few trials, Sharkie mooted a subversive plan of espionage. His spies insidiously crept into the realm of King Dal. They attempted to discover the weaknesses of the kingdom. During their covert operation, they found that the people of Dalmau were patriots and loved their King. They were vigilant people. The only loophole that spies found was that the people celebrated Holi with enthusiasm and gaiety. They would consume cannabis, leave the weapons and forget everything. The vital weak link passed on to Sharkies at Jaunpur.
The fateful day
On Holi, when people were in a festive mood, joyous and celebrating, Sharkie forces stealthily and ruthlessly attacked them, annihilated the off-guard kingdom and King Dal. Dalmau fell and annexed to Jaunpur. It is said that thenceforth, people do not celebrate Holi in Dalmau. The historical lesson teaches never to let go of the string under any circumstances.
Precaution vs caution
Precaution and caution are two different words. Both convey almost the same meaning. Their meaning, nevertheless, changes according to context. The latter advises staying vigilant and careful while handling a situation, individual, or thing. The former recommends taking care before facing an inhospitable situation, person, or thing. It allows one to prepare beforehand and to deal with a known danger. Precautions would have be taken to handle a red-hot iron. While walking in a jungle, one has to be cautious. Vigilance is necessary for every movement.
Watchful people
Individuals are always surrounded by different people. They are a motley crowd composed of both simple and complicated individuals. There can be people who look innocent and live in our neighbourhood, but turn out to be handlers of subversion. It is essential to watch any suspicious activities, individuals, or groups closely and report them to the appropriate authorities. It is necessary to red-flag people of dubious nature.
Selfish people can go to any extent
In social life, one often encounters people with selfish motives. They can go to any extent to harm others for their parochial gains. They mingle with people and behave like near and dears, backstabbing whenever they find an opportunity to do so. Julius Caesar fell prey to a deep conspiracy, and who did it? None other than his close friend Brutus. “Et tu, Brute?”
Red flag
Individuals who aim to extract gain from others should raise a red flag in our minds. They can adopt any means or go to any extent. Thus, people and their intents can be seen and attributed. Nevertheless, finding and flagging hidden individuals is essential. These hidden ones can do extensive harm by double-crossing and often changing sides.
Known foes are easy to handle
It is easy to deal with known foes who have disclosed their identity. Their attitude and intentions, strengths and weaknesses can be studied carefully. Preparations can be made beforehand to safeguard.
Sir R. Ross and Malaria
Sir Ronald Ross conducted pioneering research about Malaria transmission. He identified its weak points and pinpointed the effective time for treating it. Sir Ross paved the way for conquering a known enemy. On the other hand, a virus of unknown origin is very hard to treat. The recent example is of the coronavirus pandemic that caused havoc across the globe.
Raising a red flag
It is important to raise a red flag about selfish, obsequious and gullible persons, things or situations. They are dangerous to an individual or society. Deceit and treachery are their tools. A person showing exaggerated unwanted politeness and sycophant showering words of praise out of the box needs to be flagged. Caution is better than repentance. Parallel to it, one must hold the stole of optimism. In the current complicated world, it becomes a daunting task to manage trust vis-à-vis personal mental and psychological health. It can be taken care of by taking mood enhancers available on https://amzn.to/46sR2Ui
People have to be judiciously cautious. After all, it is their life.
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Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1200–1500 or more words regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling meet.
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