यद्यप्येते न पश्यन्ति लोभोपहतचेतसः ।
कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं मित्रद्रोहे च पातकम् ॥ 1.37 ॥
कथं न ज्ञेयमस्माभिः पापादस्मान्निवर्तितुम् ।
कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं प्रपश्यद्भिर्जनार्दन ॥ 1.38 ॥
Although these men, whose minds are overcome by greed, do not see the wrong in destroying their own family or betraying their friends, why should we not understand this sin and refrain from such actions, O Janardana?
Arjuna now argues that the Kauravas are unable to see the consequences of their actions because their judgment has been clouded by greed and ambition. Driven by the desire for power, they fail to recognize the grave wrongdoing involved in destroying their own family and breaking bonds of friendship.
However, Arjuna believes that those who clearly understand the harmful consequences of such actions should not follow the same path. Since he is able to recognize the moral danger in the destruction of the family structure, he feels that it would be wrong to participate in such violence even if others fail to see the fault in it.
Administrative Reflections
These verses highlight an important ethical principle: awareness creates responsibility. When individuals clearly understand the harmful consequences of an action, they carry a greater obligation to avoid it. In public life and administration, leaders often encounter situations where others may act out of greed or narrow interests. Ethical leadership requires the ability to recognize such dangers and consciously refrain from actions that may harm institutions, relationships, or social order.