Published Aug 05, 2026 | 12:28 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 05, 2026 | 12:28 AM
Dwight Eisenhower, late American President who popularised the Domino Theory in 1954. (Photo | britannica.com)
Synopsis: Domino Theory doesn’t just apply to wars and nations, it applies to life too. Here are a few ways to avoid the chain reactions that can wreck the peace and quiet we all deserve to enjoy
Long before psychologists, it was the late American President Dwight Eisenhower who popularised the Domino Theory in 1954 while warning of the consequences that could follow if Communism took root in South Vietnam.
“You have a row of dominoes set up, you knock over the first one, and what will happen to the last one is the certainty that it will go over very quickly. So you could have a beginning of a disintegration that would have the most profound influences,” Eisenhower had said, before going ahead to extend financial support and military advice to the South Vietnamese government.
Life, too, is not immune to such domino effects. The trick is to nip these negative chain reactions in the bud.
Today, many of us are tech-savvy, smart, well-employed, and have enough resources for the necessities of life. At the same time, we face challenges due to issues in relationships and at the workplace. For example, unexpected negative feedback from a boss may set off a chain reaction, leading to an unwanted quarrel with one’s life partner, who then could end up scolding his/her child without any reason.
Such chain reactions have serious consequences. The present generation must build life skills to help them avoid these traps.
An easy first step could be greeting people with a smile that flows from the heart. This can work wonders.
Here I would like to recollect a recent incident. At a leading hospital in Delhi, security personnel denied entry to a man who had come to visit his mother in the ICU. He was stopped at the gates since only a maximum of two persons per patient were allowed. The son was immediately agitated. But his colleague, who was by his side, quietened him and, with a gentle smile, explained to the security staff that his friend was under immense stress since he had to coordinate with the hospital staff and arrange blood for his mother. The security men immediately realised their mistake and apologised.
Another practical step will be to practise honesty and treat the needs of others compassionately. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t lie at all. Simple lies may be necessary at times. Further, being compassionate doesn’t mean that you should sacrifice your genuine wants for others. But be considerate and helpful towards others as much as you can.
A few common examples of this could be offering seats to the needy in the metro/bus or offering food or basic facilities to the vulnerable sections silently without expecting media coverage. This can benefit both the giver and the recipient.
Thirdly, work towards reining in unlimited desires. Desires are important in one’s life because they motivate us to live. But they need to be within manageable levels.
One must remember that our lifespan is limited and unpredictable. Chasing after enormous wealth within this short time is futile, for we leave material wealth behind the moment we leave this planet. So, a happy and contented life that is meaningful and filled with consideration, love and responsibility, primarily towards oneself and also for others, should take precedence.
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Fourthly, one should understand that true love and service are the best expression of devotion to God. Offerings to God without this are meaningless.
Fifthly, it is imperative to handle relationships cautiously. Relationships exist in various forms—with family, friends, neighbours, office relationships, etc.
The most challenging of these might be the one with the family or the husband-wife relationship. Many factors can create challenges in the marital bond, which starts around the mid-20s or 30s between two human beings brought up possibly in entirely different cultures, and following entirely different customs and ways of living.
At times, in marriages, one of the partners may commit mistakes repeatedly, including due to mental health issues, and this could lead to serious domino effects. For example, the wife may blame the husband’s parents, or the husband or wife may be rude because they were brought up as an only child. In these instances, even after frequent corrections, if such behaviour persists, try to step away instead of arguing further. Otherwise, it may escalate into a serious and avoidable conflict or crime.
Relationships with friends, office colleagues and neighbours are easier in comparison. It is better to have friendships with those whom you find to be true and sincere. Further, office relationships can be managed well, with love and sincerity towards the work assigned to you from time to time.
A high level of integrity at work is important, especially in government services. Perform your work diligently, duly incorporating the human element into it. Go by rules and regulations to prevent further enquiries or investigations later. An officer’s rude behaviour, while dealing with the public, can have far-reaching consequences.
Last but not least, practise meditation and have a healthy lifestyle. While meditation controls stress and anxiety and ensures mental peace, a healthy lifestyle maintains health parameters at manageable levels. There is a saying, “a healthy mind in a healthy body”. So, work at leading a healthy lifestyle and a contented life, doing away with the needlessly negative domino effects in life.
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(Surjith Karthikeyan is Director, Indian Ministry of Finance. Views are personal. Edited by R Rajesh Kumar.)
