The Wisdom We Forgot: How Trump’s Tariffs and Global Chaos Echo an Ancient Truth”
About Author: Tahir Mahmood, Renowned expert in the field of counter radicalisation, known for his extensive work with various institutions and governments to solve complex challenges through knowledge based, scientific, systematic methods and out of box solutions.
A king once received a beautiful ring as a gift. Enchanted by its elegance, he asked his wise minister to inscribe a phrase upon it, one that would bring him hope during sorrow and humility during joy. The minister pondered for a few moments and then offered a simple yet profound suggestion: “This time will also pass away.”
This phrase, ancient and timeless carries a resonance far beyond the confines of royal courts and rings. In today’s unpredictable world this sentence speaks volumes about the human condition and collective societal cognition. As we traverse the turbulent landscapes of public affairs, geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainties, the phrase becomes not just a personal reminder but a collective mantra.
The past few years have been marked by a cascade of unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic upended global systems, laying bare the fragility of healthcare infrastructures, supply chains and even human resilience. Lockdowns paralyzed economies, isolated communities and pushed mental health to the forefront of public discourse. In those dark days, the phrase “This time will also pass away” offered a glimmer of hope that the suffering, uncertainty and loss would eventually recede.
Yet the same phrase also serves as a cautionary whisper in times of euphoria. As vaccines rolled out and nations declared victories over the virus, celebrations often overshadowed lingering vulnerabilities. The emergence of new variants and the slow vaccine distribution in the Global South reminded us that even joy is transient. Public policy, when disconnected from long-term foresight can become blind to the lessons of impermanence.
Parallel to the pandemic, the world was reshaped by economic tremors. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies marked the beginning of a new era in global trade dynamics. The protectionist shift strained international alliances, upended supply chains and signalled the re-emergence of national economic interests over global cooperation. Countries began rethinking dependencies and reshoring industries that had long been outsourced.
This economic recalibration, amplified by the pandemic, inflation, and geopolitical tensions is still ongoing. Global supply chains, once lauded for their efficiency are now scrutinized for their vulnerability. From semiconductor shortages to food and energy price shocks, the world economy has been jolted into a phase of reassessment. The Russia-Ukraine war further intensified this disruption. As one of the world’s key suppliers of energy, grains and raw materials, the conflict led to a sharp spike in prices and scarcity of essential goods across continents. European nations faced an energy crisis, while developing countries encountered food insecurity and spiralling import costs. Logistics hubs were destabilized and traditional trade routes became battlegrounds of political tension. In this context, “This time will also pass away” becomes an insight into the transient nature of economic dominance, trade norms, and global interdependence.
In 2024–2025, new geopolitical developments have further highlighted the volatility of our global order. The deepening competition between the U.S. and China, the resurgence of regional alliances like BRICS+ and rising tensions in the South China Sea all indicate a shifting balance of power. Meanwhile, climate-induced disasters from catastrophic floods in South Asia to wildfires in Europe and North America are compelling nations to rethink their priorities. These challenges have not only strained international cooperation but have also brought forth new debates around sovereignty, resource nationalism and the future of multilateralism. In the midst of such turmoil the phrase reminds us that every crisis is part of a continuum and that no single global configuration, no matter how powerful or disruptive is everlasting.
In addition, the deterioration of U.S. relations with some of its long-standing allies has become increasingly evident. Disagreements over defence spending within NATO, divergent climate policy priorities and trade disputes have all contributed to a growing sense of friction. The withdrawal from key international agreements, such as the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Climate Accord created strategic voids that allies found difficult to reconcile. More recently, The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, though domestically beneficial has raised concerns in Europe about unfair subsidies and protectionism, further complicating transatlantic economic cooperation. These diplomatic rifts underscore the fragility of long-standing partnerships and remind us once again that alliances like all things are subject to the tides of time.
Inflation, once a subdued economic indicator, has returned to the centre stage. Driven by stimulus spending, disrupted logistics and energy market fluctuations, inflation has rattled households and policy-makers alike. Central banks, once paragons of predictability, now struggle to strike a balance between growth and stability. The phrase, once again, tempers the panic reminding us that economic cycles are not permanent, that correction follows distortion.
Cognition at a national and global level is evolving as micro and macro cognitive dissonance. The collective memory of crises from 9/11 to the Great Recession, from COVID-19 to Ukraine has taught societies the duality of time. It teaches policymakers that success is fleeting if not guarded by humility and that despair though overwhelming is often the precursor to renewal. National strategies now must incorporate not just economics and security but also psychological resilience and adaptive governance.
Public affairs are increasingly being shaped by the awareness of uncertainty. Governance models are moving away from rigid predictability toward agile responsive frameworks. The age of information has accelerated global cognition, making populations more aware, critical, and participatory. In such a dynamic space, the phrase “This time will also pass away” becomes a cornerstone of resilience thinking it is both a warning and a promise.
Equally important is the relevance of this phrase at the individual or micro level. People around the world have endured profound personal hardships: loss of loved ones, job insecurity, mental health struggles and a disrupted sense of normalcy. In 2025, individuals continue to face new stressors from AI-driven job displacement to economic polarization and the growing mental toll of digital fatigue. In moments of despair, anxiety or grief, the reminder that “This time will also pass away” provides strength and perspective. It teaches individuals to endure hardship with patience and hope, while also tempering arrogance or complacency during moments of success. On a personal level, it is a tool for emotional regulation, a way to navigate life’s fluctuations without being overwhelmed. It invites reflection, resilience and the understanding that both pain and pleasure are part of an evolving journey.
As the world transitions into a new global order where China’s economic rise, climate change imperatives, digital transformations and shifting alliances redefine the international landscape the wisdom of the king’s ring gains new relevance. Power structures will evolve, Economic centres will shift and Crises will come and go. But the consciousness that underpins governance must hold onto the humility that all things are impermanent.
Whether a nation is navigating prosperity or adversity, the challenge is to remember that stability is not static, it requires constant tending, adaptability and foresight. The ring’s message is not one of passivity but of perspective. It implores leaders and citizens alike to act wisely, knowing that circumstances, however bleak or bright are temporary and always build advance resilience through balanced strategies of wisdom and not wickedness.
Whether a country is going through good or bad times, the key lesson is that stability isn’t permanent. It requires constant effort, flexibility, and foresight. The ring’s message isn’t about passivity, but about perspective. It encourages everyone to act wisely, knowing that circumstances, whether good or bad, are temporary. During this time of global challenges, creating win-win situations for all countries is more important than ever. In today’s connected world, it’s not helpful to think that one country can only win if another loses. Crises like pandemics, climate change, rising prices or war affect everyone. No country can completely protect itself and no solution can last unless it helps everyone.
That’s why governments need to look again at the tough decisions they made in difficult times. Policies made in a hurry should be reviewed calmly and fairly. Trade fights, sanctions, and one-sided actions need to be replaced with new talks that are good for all. Whether it’s about supply chains, energy or climate, lasting peace and growth need cooperation and fairness. A win-win approach is not just a nice idea it is necessary in today’s world.
Leaders must use wisdom. They must come to the table not to show power but to listen and understand. They should fix broken relationships and make new deals that are fair and flexible. This is how we create a better and safer future. We must move forward not by separating ourselves but by working together.
In conclusion, “This time will also pass away” is not merely a philosophical phrase, it is a cognitive tool and administrative direction. In an unpredictable world marked by recurring disruption and transformation, this simple line offers strategic wisdom. It cultivates resilience, humility and a long-term vision qualities essential not only for personal well-being but for public leadership and global cooperation. May we inscribe this wisdom not only on rings, but in our minds, our policies and our collective consciousness to make safe, peaceful and progressive world.
