Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was an ancient Indian philosopher, economist, and statesman. His seminal work, the “Arthashastra,” and his teachings on governance, politics, and leadership, known as “Chanakya Niti,” are filled with practical wisdom that is still relevant today. Here are 100 key learnings from Chanakya Niti:
On Leadership and Governance
1. A leader should be alert and disciplined.
2. The welfare of the people is the primary duty of a ruler.
3. A king should govern with a sense of justice and fairness.
4. A ruler must keep his plans secret and reveal them only when executed.
5. A wise leader should avoid anger and impatience.
6. It is better to govern with fear than with affection alone.
7. A ruler should be well-versed in all branches of knowledge.
8. Surround yourself with intelligent and trustworthy advisors.
9. A king should be like a father to his subjects.
10. A leader must be able to handle adversity with calm and composure.
On Wealth and Prosperity
11. Wealth is essential for the stability of the state.
12. Money should be earned ethically and spent wisely.
13. Wealth, once accumulated, should be invested wisely.
14. Charity should be done without expectation of returns.
15. Protect wealth from thieves and misfortune.
16. Savings are essential for future security.
17. Money earned by deceit never stays long.
18. Excessive attachment to wealth leads to downfall.
19. A man without wealth is like a bird without wings.
20. Wealth is the root of all prosperity and happiness.
On Strategy and Warfare
21. Know your enemy and know yourself; victory will be assured.
22. The enemy’s weaknesses should be exploited.
23. Strike when the enemy is vulnerable.
24. Never underestimate the enemy.
25. Divide and conquer; create discord among the enemy’s ranks.
26. Use spies to gather intelligence.
27. Diplomacy is preferable to war, but be prepared for conflict.
28. A leader must be decisive in times of war.
29. Ensure that the army is well-fed and motivated.
30. Surprise is a key element in military strategy.
On Ethics and Morality
31. One’s actions should be guided by righteousness (Dharma).
32. Always speak the truth, but be mindful of the consequences.
33. Honesty is the best policy, but discretion is also important.
34. Do not harm others, but also protect yourself from harm.
35. Keep your promises and commitments.
36. Avoid greed, as it leads to destruction.
37. Be content with what you have; greed only brings misery.
38. Never indulge in unethical practices.
39. Control your desires, for they can lead you astray.
40. Virtue is its own reward.
On Education and Knowledge
41. Knowledge is the most powerful weapon.
42. Education is a lifelong process.
43. Learn from the mistakes of others.
44. A learned person is respected everywhere.
45. Wisdom is more valuable than wealth.
46. Seek knowledge from all sources, regardless of origin.
47. Be open-minded and willing to learn new things.
48. A person without education is like a flower without fragrance.
49. Question everything; seek the truth.
50. A wise man learns from the experiences of others.
On Relationships and Society
51. Choose your friends carefully; avoid bad company.
52. Treat your parents with respect and care.
53. A good friend is a blessing; a bad friend is a curse.
54. Do not trust anyone blindly.
55. Help those in need, but do not let others take advantage of you.
56. Respect your elders and learn from their wisdom.
57. Be loyal to your friends and family.
58. Avoid quarrels and disputes; they only lead to bitterness.
59. A person is judged by the company they keep.
60. Cultivate good manners and etiquette.
On Personal Conduct and Character
61. Self-control is the key to success.
62. Be disciplined in your actions and thoughts.
63. Patience is a virtue that leads to success.
64. Avoid laziness; it leads to failure.
65. Cultivate humility; arrogance leads to downfall.
66. Be honest and straightforward in your dealings.
67. Do not be envious of others’ success.
68. Maintain a positive attitude in all circumstances.
69. Be courageous and stand up for what is right.
70. Avoid excessive indulgence in pleasures.
On Time Management
71. Time is precious; use it wisely.
72. Do not procrastinate; delay leads to missed opportunities.
73. Prioritize your tasks based on importance.
74. Use your time to learn and grow.
75. Avoid wasting time on trivial matters.
76. Time lost can never be regained.
77. Plan your day effectively.
78. Balance work and rest to maintain productivity.
79. Early rising leads to success.
80. Seize opportunities as they arise; do not wait for the perfect moment.
On Self-Improvement
81. Strive to improve yourself every day.
82. Learn from your mistakes and failures.
83. Set high standards for yourself.
84. Be open to criticism and use it constructively.
85. Develop a strong willpower to overcome challenges.
86. Constantly seek self-awareness and introspection.
87. Do not be content with mediocrity; aim for excellence.
88. Surround yourself with positive influences.
89. Maintain physical and mental health.
90. Believe in yourself and your abilities.
On Life and Philosophy
91. Life is unpredictable; be prepared for anything.
92. Accept change as a constant in life.
93. Live with a sense of purpose and direction.
94. Do not be attached to material possessions.
95. Understand that happiness comes from within.
96. Death is inevitable; live your life fully.
97. Balance material and spiritual pursuits.
98. Seek inner peace through meditation and reflection.
99. Understand the impermanence of all things.
100. Live a life of integrity and honor.