Acharya Prashant responds to a question about the challenges faced by single people in India, such as renting a house, due to societal prejudices. He begins by stating that this is a small price to pay. He contrasts the travails of a normal married person with the challenges of a bachelor, asserting that the latter are "just about nothing." He explains that one cannot have everything; there is always a price to pay. One cannot enjoy the freedom of not being trapped in marriage and simultaneously expect to have easy access to rental places. You cannot have both. He further elaborates that the market loves families. Restaurants proudly display signs for "family restaurants," and primetime television shows are marketed as "family shows" to achieve high ratings. The market loves families and punishes bachelors because, for instance, a bachelor might occupy a table for four but only one person dines, resulting in a loss of business. However, what is bad for the market might be very good for the individual, especially when a large part of the market survives on "fleecing the individual." He advises one to figure out what is best for them, rather than becoming a scapegoat to fatten someone else's pockets or maintain cultural biases. Acharya Prashant distinguishes between a true bachelor and a "wannabe husband." He describes the latter as someone who is only temporarily a bachelor, always in the queue to get married, and these are the ones who often cause trouble. A true bachelor, he explains, is one who chooses to be single by dint of their understanding and realization. They see the institution of marriage as nonsensical and do not wish to remain in a sexual or emotional relationship for their entire life. He notes that most sages and philosophers were bachelors because they possessed wisdom. He clarifies that he is not against relationships but advises people to be conscious and discreet before entering irreversible situations like marriage and having children. To a questioner who wants to change society, he suggests first saving her own life and becoming an example of beauty, joy, and success. When people see this, they will be inspired to ask for the secret, which is consciousness and the avoidance of conditioned behavior.
