Many of us are acquainted with the success stories of Microsoft, Ford, or Apple. We have a mindset that what you are taught in business schools are the last words when it comes to management. Perhaps because we have been conditioned to accept as true that what they communicate in these western management schools and the feats of western creatives is what we should match. But sadly not many people are familiar with another great man from our ancient past and his works which were produced more closely at home in Asia.
Chanakya helped establish the Mauryan Empire and served two of its emperors as their chief advisor. That being said, his astuteness can’t ever be probed. He was no warrior, but he used his brain to combat battles. The forerunner of political science and economics in ancient India, Chanakya, certainly knew how to deal with life and stay one step ahead. His wise words still hold true in this present day and age.
“Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.”
“Every neighboring state is an enemy and the enemy’s enemy is a friend.”
“Learn from the mistakes of others, you can’t live long enough to make them all yourselves.”
“The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions.”
“Purity of speech, of the mind, of the senses, and of a compassionate heart are needed by one who desires to rise to the divine platform.”
“Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror is useful to a blind person.”
“A man is great by deeds, not by birth.”
“We should not fret for what is past, nor should we be anxious about the future; men of discernment deal only with the present moment.”
“A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first.”
“Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venomous.”
“As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.”
“The king shall lose no time when the opportunity waited for arrives.”
“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.”
“Do not reveal what you have thought upon doing, but by wise council keep it secret being determined to carry it into execution.”
“Once you start working on something, don’t be afraid of failure and don’t abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest.”
