Acharya Prashant explains that as individuals grow older, they tend to lose their natural simplicity and instead acquire worldly cunningness. This cleverness, often mistaken for intelligence, is the root cause of human suffering and inner conflict. He observes that people constantly scheme about the future as if preparing for a battle, whereas a child lives in the present moment. Life itself does not become complicated; rather, it is the individual who becomes entangled by learning deceit and overthinking. He points out that while a child might feel pain in the moment, they do not carry the burden of the past or the anxiety of the future, unlike adults who are driven by the desire for accumulation and social status. He further notes that in the entire existence, only the adult human being appears miserable because of the constant activity of the mind. Other elements of nature, such as animals and plants, remain in a state of natural ease unless influenced by humans. Acharya Prashant criticizes the societal tendency to respect 'clever' or 'shrewd' people, asserting that such individuals are actually in deep internal pain. He advises remaining straightforward and innocent, even if it leads to minor material losses, because the peace gained is far more valuable. He concludes by explaining that problems seem overwhelming only when the mind starts projecting future consequences; staying focused on the immediate task without mental wandering is the key to a settled life.