Acharya Prashant addresses the relationship between conformity, intelligence, and conflict. He explains that conformity is often pursued as a source of social pleasure and a means to avoid outer conflict with institutions, traditions, or family. However, he asserts that while conformity might temporarily prevent external friction, it inevitably leads to a more dangerous form of inner conflict, where a person's own thoughts and mind are at odds with themselves. This results in a fragmented life filled with masks and lack of peace. In contrast, an intelligent person may experience significant outer conflict because they speak fearlessly and live according to their own understanding rather than social norms. Despite this external pressure, the intelligent individual remains integrated and composed, possessing a sense of inner harmony and freedom. Acharya Prashant concludes that one must choose between avoiding outer conflict at the cost of inner turmoil or accepting outer conflict to maintain inner integrity and peace.
