Selected Quotes of Chanakya

Chanakya, active during 350-275 BCE period was an Indian teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist and royal advisor to Chandragupta Maurya. He was considered as the pioneer of Indian Political Science and has authored ancient Indian Political treatise, Arthashastra.

He was also known as Kautilya and Vishnugupta traditionally and is accredited significant role in rising of the Mauryan Empire in Ancient India.

Below are some (compiled) quotes of his.

A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and Honest people are victimized first.

Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venomous.

The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you.

There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no Friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.

Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it, What the results might be and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead.

As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.

Once you start a working on something, don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest.

The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction.

A man is great by deeds, not by birth.

Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years. For the next five years, scold them. By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend. Your grown up children are your best friends.

Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror is useful to a blind person.

Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.

Hope you enjoyed the reading!