Krishna explains the devastating consequence if He were to stop acting. He says, 'yadi hy ahaṃ' (For if I), 'na varteyaṃ' (did not engage), 'jātu' (ever), 'karmaṇi' (in prescribed duties), 'atandritaḥ' (carefully, unwearied, or without lethargy). What would happen? Because He is the ultimate Śreṣṭha (eminent figure), all of humanity (manuṣyāḥ) would universally and in every way (sarvaśaḥ) follow His path (mama vartmānuvartante).