Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 19
The Freed Kings Glorify Kṛṣṇa; Instruction on Kingship, Detachment, and Remembrance
दिष्ट्या व्यवसितं भूपा भवन्त ऋतभाषिण: । श्रीयैश्वर्यमदोन्नाहं पश्य उन्मादकं नृणाम् ॥ १९ ॥
diṣṭyā vyavasitaṁ bhūpā bhavanta ṛta-bhāṣiṇaḥ śrīy-aiśvarya-madonnāhaṁ paśya unmādakaṁ nṛṇām
Fortunately you have come to the proper conclusion, my dear kings, and what you have spoken is true. I can see that human beings’ lack of self-restraint, which arises from their intoxication with opulence and power, simply leads to madness.
FAQs
This verse states that prosperity (śrī) and sovereignty (aiśvarya) can intoxicate people, inflating pride and pushing them toward madness—therefore one should remain truthful and steady rather than arrogant.
In the Rajasuya setting—where royal status and prestige are high—Krishna cautions the rulers that opulence easily breeds arrogance, and He praises those who remain truthful and properly resolved despite such temptations.
Treat success as a responsibility, not an identity: practice truthfulness, remain accountable, and consciously cultivate humility so that achievement does not turn into pride and reckless behavior.