Prabhupāda: Yes. Demigods . . . yes. Just like one who is trying to get some good service, so they're worshiping this boss, that boss. That is also demigod. Because without flattering some boss he cannot get some good job; without flattering the voters he cannot get the ministership. So that is demigod worship. They have to flatter somebody. Why this Ram Gulab has gone to . . .? He has to flatter there. This is going on. The big bosses in the United Nation, they're demigods, supposed to be. He thinks, "If I flatter them, then I will be able to keep my position." But he does not think that this position will be lost after some years. Tad bhavaty alpa-medhasām. He has forgotten his eternal life, Kṛṣṇa, and he's flattering these demigods. That's all. What he'll gain? He'll die. That's all. At the time of death, what these United Nation leaders will do?
Cyavana: But we can improve the standard for future generations, for our children. We can.
Prabhupāda: First of all you improve your own condition; then think of future generation. You are going to hell and thinking of future generation. You are going to die, and you are thinking of future generation. Who is your future generation? That is another foolishness. This is asuric civilization. Asuric civilization.
Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: Hope against hope. Asuric civilization.
Cyavana: Hope against hope.
Prabhupāda: Hope, that is also foolishness. Apart from future generation, you have got sons. So you are taking very great care. Does it mean that his life is guaranteed? So what you can do? You cannot do anything for your present generation, what to speak of future generation. You cannot do. Suppose your son is sick. As father, you have given first-class medicine, first-class physician. Does it guarantee that he will live? Then what can you do? Is it in your control that your son will live because you have given good physician, good medicine? Is it guarantee that your son will live? Then what can you do? You cannot do anything for your present generation, and you are thinking of future generation, which you do not know who is your future generation. At the present moment you know this is your generation, you cannot do anything, and you are thinking of future generation. How foolish you are.
Cyavana: Well, we may have to accept the laws of nature, but at least we can . . .
Prabhupāda: And therefore, what is the meaning of taking care of future generation or this generation?
Cyavana: At least we can make it comfortable in this world.
Prabhupāda: No. That is not possible. You have already given good medicine, good physician. And why he's dying? You cannot do anything. That is your position. You may try to do, but that is futile. The ultimate is different.
Cyavana: So by giving him medicine, maybe I can give him a better chance . . .
Prabhupāda: "Maybe" can be, but it is not guaranteed. You cannot do anything.
Cyavana: But at least I should try.
Prabhupāda: Try. Foolishly you try whatever you like. That is another thing. But it is not under your control. You can try. That is your . . . of course, you must try as your dutiful father, but you should know that you cannot take any guarantee or do anything, good or bad. That you have already said: "The destiny." That is prominent. That is prominent, not you.