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Mahavira & Wisdom / 135
11. Issue of Morality
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Moral values present guideline for leading an ideal life.
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Violation of moral values leads to depression due to the feeling of repentance. Violation of economic law does not cause repentance. If moral values are adhered to, it will lead to the spiritual progress of man. Money is a means of achieving the goal, but it is not the goal.
Mahavira believed that if money is earned for satisfaction of one's needs, it is acceptable. But if it is done at the expense of discomfort of others, it is undesirable. A feeling of distribution of surplus wealth should be inculcated. The definition of usefulness in morality is different from its definition in Economics. Here there is no compulsory relationship between usefulness and profitability A commodity that is useful for satisfaction of needs, may not be necessarily profitable. Economics includes study of several such issues that are not remotely related to human welfare. It is not true that morality has no place in Economics. There are some economists who believe in the use of honest and welfare oriented practices in deciding economic policies.
