Discover 50 powerful Chanakya quotes that offer deep ancient Indian wisdom on life, politics, and success. Learn how his timeless thoughts remain relevant even today.
Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was an ancient Indian teacher, philosopher, economist, and royal advisor. He authored the legendary Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy.
His insights are incredibly sharp, practical, and often brutally honest — making his quotes as powerful today as they were centuries ago.
In this article, I’ve personally curated 50 of the best Chanakya quotes that reflect his wisdom on life, politics, leadership, and human behavior.
These quotes not only give us a peek into ancient Indian wisdom but also serve as guiding principles for modern life.
Chanakya Quotes on Wisdom
1. “A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first.”
2. “Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venomous.”
3. “There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.”
4. “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.”
5. “Once you start a working on something, don’t be afraid of failure and don’t abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest.”
6. “The world’s biggest power is the youth and beauty of a woman.”
7. “Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.”
8. “He who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment.”
9. “There is no austerity equal to a balanced mind, and there is no happiness equal to contentment.”
10. “He who gives up shyness in monetary dealings, in acquiring knowledge, in eating and in business, becomes happy.”
Chanakya Quotes on Politics and Leadership
11. “He who is overly attached to his kingdom loses the kingdom.”
12. “A man is great by deeds, not by birth.”
13. “A ruler should be sharp like a lion and clever like a fox.”
14. “Learn from the mistakes of others… you can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”
15. “He who seeks to control others without mastering himself is like a blind man leading the blind.”
16. “Test a servant while in the discharge of his duty, a relative in difficulty, a friend in adversity, and a wife in misfortune.”
17. “The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions.”
18. “A good leader listens more than he speaks.”
19. “The king shall lose no time when the opportunity waited for arrives.”
20. “Time perfects men as well as destroys them.”
Chanakya Quotes on Life and Human Behavior
21. “As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.”
22. “Do not reveal what you have thought upon doing, but by wise counsel keep it secret being determined to carry it into execution.”
23. “The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you.”
24. “Purity of speech, of the mind, of the senses, and a compassionate heart are needed by one who desires to rise to the divine platform.”
25. “Too much of anything is bad. Too much kindness, too much love, too much honesty can harm you.”
26. “A man is born alone and dies alone; and he experiences the good and bad consequences of his karma alone.”
27. “Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness.”
28. “Avoid him who talks sweetly before you but tries to ruin you behind your back.”
29. “Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror is useful to a blind person.”
30. “Do not put your trust in a bad companion nor even trust an ordinary friend; for if he should get angry with you, he may bring all your secrets to light.”
Lesser-Known But Insightful Chanakya Quotes
31. “He who is prepared for the future and he who deals cleverly with any situation survives in life.”
32. “Wealth, a friend, a wife, and a kingdom may be regained, but this body when lost may never be acquired again.”
33. “One whose knowledge is confined to books and whose wealth is in the possession of others, can use neither in time of need.”
34. “A wise man should restrain his senses like the crane and accomplish his purpose with due knowledge of place, time, and ability.”
35. “God is not present in idols. Your feelings are your god. The soul is your temple.”
36. “An egoistic person can neither respect others nor gain respect.”
37. “He who lives in our mind is near though he may actually be far away; but he who is not in our heart is far though he may really be nearby.”
38. “Fools waste their energy in criticizing others. The wise improve themselves.”
39. “Never settle for less than what you deserve.”
40. “Nothing is impossible for a determined mind.”
Related: Best motivational quotes ever
Final 10 Quotes – Short, Sharp, and Strong
41. “A single intelligent conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study.”
42. “In the absence of water, wealth becomes poison.”
43. “It is better to die than to live a life of disgrace.”
44. “A person who cannot decide his goal, cannot win.”
45. “He who is wise is not arrogant.”
46. “Character is what stays even when wealth is lost.”
47. “A true scholar is humble, not proud.”
48. “Time is the greatest teacher.”
49. “Truth may be bitter but is always victorious.”
50. “Fate determines who walks into your life, but your character decides who stays.”
Which quote resonated with you the most?
Let me know in the comments or share your favorite Chanakya quote with someone who needs it today.
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