Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, was an Indian statesman, philosopher, chief advisor and Prime Minister to the first Emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, Chandrapgupta. As one of the greatest figures of wisdom and knowledge in Indian history, Chanakya is revered as a genius both by Indian and Western scholars.
Here are some interesting thoughts by this great teacher who originally started off as a professor of economics and political science at the ancient university of Takshashila which we could still utilize in our daily lives:
- Learn from the mistakes of others, you can’t live long enough to make them all by yourself.
- A man is great by deeds and not by birth.
- Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should still pretend to be venomous.
- A person should not be too honest; straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first.
- There is always some self-interest behind every friendship, there is no friendship without self interest – this is the bitter truth.
- The world’s biggest power is youth and the beauty of a woman.
- Any time you want to start something new, ask yourself these three questions:
• Why am I doing it?
• What will be the result of this task?
• Will I be successful ?
Only when you have thought deeply and found satisfactory answers, go ahead. - As soon as fear approaches, attack and completely destroy it before it destroys you.
- Don’t be afraid of failure and do not abandon a task once you have started 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.
- Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere, it beats beauty and youth.
- God is not present in idols – your feelings are your God, the soul your temple.
- Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness.
- Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror is useful to a blind person.
- Treat your child 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.
