Quotes By Chanakya

It is better to be without a king than to have a bad one.

Eschew wicked company and associate with saintly persons. Acquire virtue day and night, and always meditate on that which is eternal, forgetting that which is temporary.

A ruler wishing to win should not trust a cunning enemy, even if he may be extending a hand of friendship. Because deep-rooted enmity, however, concealed, will surely come to light.

A thing may be dreaded as long as it has not overtaken you.

Foolishness is indeed painful, and verily so is youth, but more painful by far than either is being obliged in another person's house.

The man who remains a fool even in advanced age is really a fool, just as the Indra-Varuna fruit does not become sweet no matter how ripe it might become.

A man or a ruler should always take up a task after thoroughly considering its consequences. Otherwise fate also cannot protect his wealth.

The ruler should employ person in tasks according to their abilities because Knowers (or the means) and efficient employees make impossible tasks also possible.

Whoever imposes severe punishment becomes repulsive to the people; while he who awards mild punishment becomes contemptible. But whoever imposes punishment as deserved becomes respectable.

Defect in one's limb ruins a man.

He is a pandit (man of knowledge) who speaks what is suitable to the occasion, who renders loving service according to his ability, and who knows the limits of his anger.

Even a captured enemy is not to be trusted.

Religion is preserved by wealth; knowledge by diligent practice; a king by conciliatory words; and a home by a dutiful housewife.

The fire of the forest burns trees to ashes. Even expensive sandalwood tree which is endowed with qualities of cooling and fragrance, cannot escape from burning. In the same way wicked cause harm to their benefactors also.

He who is prepared for the future and he who deals cleverly with any situation that may arise are both happy; but the fatalistic man who wholly depends on luck is ruined.

Evil person causes harm even if treated will.

Every relationship has one or the other motive behind it. Friendship or enmity are not purposeful. Oneness of motive is turned into friendship. While diversity of motive cause enmity. Royal relationships also depend upon one or the other purpose. But such relations are mainly for the welfare of the state.

Let not a single day pass without your learning a verse, half a verse, or a fourth of it, or even one letter of it; not without attending to charity, study and other pious activity.

This sutra enjoins a rule of morality. It says nobody should be disrespected. A man can impress everybody by his virtues. Disrespecting others means downfall of our own virtues. A person who disrespects others, in a way disrespect himself. A virtuous man does not disrespect his friend or vevn his enemy. Disrespect to enemy can investigate him toreact. The best thing is to destroy him completely. For a ruler this is very important.

A tolerant person should not be harrased. The subject or the ruled ones generally is loyal to the ruler. The people tak to revolt when they are helpless. The duty of the ruler is that his humble people mey not tak to revolt being suppressed by his bad polity. Considering the forbearance of the subject, do not ill behave with them so that they may feel oppressed.