Ashoka's Edicts - Early Lessons in Corporate Social Responsibility

Greetings!

It is often said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. And when it comes to corporate social responsibility, it seems that many modern tech companies could learn a thing or two from the ancient Indian emperor Ashoka.

Ashoka ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent from 268 to 232 BCE. While he initially gained power through brutal conquests, he eventually embraced Buddhism and became a champion of nonviolence and social welfare. He is perhaps best known for his edicts, inscriptions that he had carved into rocks and pillars across his empire. These edicts were displayed in public places and contained messages promoting morality, kindness, and respect for all living beings.

But Ashoka's edicts also offer early lessons in corporate social responsibility. In fact, many of the concepts that we now associate with CSR can be traced back to Ashoka's reign. Here are just a few examples:

Charity and philanthropy: Ashoka was known for his generous donations to religious institutions and to those in need. He encouraged his officials to do the same, and in one edict he wrote, "One should not honor only one's own religion and condemn the religions of others, but one should honor others' religions for this or that reason." This message of tolerance and generosity can be seen as a precursor to modern CSR initiatives that emphasize giving back to the community.

Environmental protection: Ashoka was also concerned about the environment. In his edicts, he banned the hunting of certain animals and ordered the planting of trees and the digging of wells. He also encouraged the construction of rest houses and hospitals for travelers and the sick. These actions show that Ashoka recognized the importance of preserving the natural world and taking care of those who were most vulnerable.

Ethical business practices: Finally, Ashoka's edicts also contain messages that can be seen as promoting ethical business practices. For example, he urged his officials to treat their subordinates with kindness and respect, and he warned against taking bribes or engaging in corruption. He also encouraged merchants to be honest in their dealings and to treat their customers fairly.

Of course, Ashoka's edicts were not perfect. For example, he still engaged in war and conquest, even if he did so less frequently than before. And some historians argue that his message of tolerance and nonviolence was not always put into practice.

But even with these caveats, there is much that modern tech leaders and entrepreneurs can learn from Ashoka's example. By considering the needs and well-being of not just their employees and shareholders, but also their communities and the environment, they can build more sustainable and ethical businesses.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you find these early lessons in CSR helpful for your own business endeavors.

Warmly,

Shawn

TimelessTechTales