Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, was an ancient Indian philosopher, teacher, and political strategist. His wisdom transcends time, offering insights that continue to inspire generations. As the author of the Arthashastra and the Nitishastra, Chanakya’s teachings on leadership, self-discipline, and strategy remain as relevant today as they were over two thousand years ago. Chanakya’s quotes offer valuable perspectives on success, and their practical wisdom can guide individuals in various aspects of life, from career and relationships to personal growth and resilience.
This article compiles 47 of Chanakya’s most impactful success quotes. Each quote stands alone, offering concise yet profound reflections on the principles that drive success. These quotes, rich in wisdom and timeless in their message, serve as both inspiration and practical advice for those seeking to achieve greatness in life.
47 Chanakya Success Quotes for Achieving Greatness
1. “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.”
2. “A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first.”
3. “There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.”
4. “As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.”
5. “He who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment.”
6. “The world’s biggest power is the youth and beauty of a woman.”
7. “The enemy is not your opponent, but the time that you waste.”
8. “A person who is on a constant quest for knowledge is always the true winner.”
9. “There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.”
10. “The world’s biggest power is the youth and beauty of a woman.”
11. “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”
12. “Test a servant while in the discharge of his duty, a relative in difficulty, a friend in adversity, and a wife in misfortune.”
13. “As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.”
14. “A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first.”
15. “Time is the most powerful and precious thing in the world. Don’t waste it.”
16. “He who is not a good servant will never be a good master.”
17. “A fool can never be happy. His desires are always selfish.”
18. “There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.”
19. “Wealth is the test of a man’s character.”
20. “A wise man should not marry. Marriage is an illusion.”
21. “Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.”
22. “The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions.”
23. “Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.”
24. “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
25. “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.”
26. “He who is not a good servant will never be a good master.”
27. “A person who is on a constant quest for knowledge is always the true winner.”
28. “A fool can never be happy. His desires are always selfish.”
29. “It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours.”
30. “A man is great by deeds, not by birth.”
31. “There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.”
32. “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.”
33. “He who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment.”
34. “The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions.”
35. “Time is the most powerful and precious thing in the world. Don’t waste it.”
36. “A wise man should not marry. Marriage is an illusion.”
37. “There is no disease so severe as a lack of knowledge.”
38. “A person is born with dignity, but they lose it because of their own actions.”
39. “There are some things that will remain with you all your life. They are your thoughts.”
40. “Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.”
41. “People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware.”
42. “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.”
43. “A fool can never be happy. His desires are always selfish.”
44. “Wealth is the test of a man’s character.”
45. “The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him your friend.”
46. “A person who is not a good servant will never be a good master.”
47. “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
Conclusion
The wisdom shared by Chanakya provides us with a framework for achieving success that is grounded in self-awareness, discipline, and strategic thinking. His quotes emphasize the importance of knowledge, perseverance, and self-control, offering a holistic approach to success that includes both personal growth and leadership. Chanakya’s philosophy, though ancient, holds timeless relevance and continues to guide those who seek to excel in various areas of life.
By reflecting on these 47 quotes, we can glean invaluable lessons that not only help us navigate the complexities of life but also empower us to achieve our full potential. Chanakya’s teachings remind us that success is not merely a matter of luck or external circumstances but is deeply rooted in the choices we make, the values we uphold, and the resilience we demonstrate in the face of challenges.
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