Acharya Prashant addresses the issue of a restless mind that constantly seeks new goals, often driven by a hidden desire for financial gain. He simplifies the problem by stating that the mind is nothing but desire, and there is no need to complicate the matter by trying to differentiate between the mind and the self. He asserts that one's desires are always apparent and that the key is to question their origin. When the questioner expresses a desire to achieve high worldly goals, such as becoming a civil servant for power, Acharya Prashant repeatedly asks, "Why?" He refutes the claim of not knowing the reason, suggesting that the true answer is often unpalatable or vulgar, which is why people avoid it. He compares this to a lover proposing without knowing why, calling it a romanticized deception. He emphasizes that everyone is aware of the real reasons behind their desires but may not want to admit them, even to themselves. Acharya Prashant points out the hypocrisy of civil service aspirants who claim they want to serve the public, while the bureaucracy itself is known for corruption. He suggests that to pursue such goals for years, one must engage in self-deception about their true, often selfish, motives. He shares his personal experience of realizing the unwholesome reasons for wanting to become a civil servant and consequently abandoning that path. He explains that spirituality is about unveiling the hidden, not hiding what is already manifest. He concludes by advising a constant inquiry into the "why" behind all major life decisions, such as career, marriage, and having children. If a reason is sound, it can be clearly explained. If not, people often dismiss the inquiry by calling the questioner impractical. Acharya Prashant insists that knowing the real "why" is crucial and should never be avoided.
