Eminent Chanakya quotes

The following quotes are taken from Eminent and reknown Indian politician, teacher, strategist and writer, Chanakya's (350 BC-275 BC) book --

"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."

"The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody.
One day it will destroy you."

"There is some self-interest behind every friendship.
There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth."

"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."

"As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it."


"The world's biggest power is the youth and beauty of a woman."


"The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction."

"Whores don't live in company of poor men, citizens never support a weak company and birds don't build nests on a tree that doesn't bear fruits."

"God is not present in idols. Your feelings are your god. The soul is your temple."

"Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness."

"Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years. For the next five years, scold them. By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend. Your grown up children will become your best friends."

"Books are as useful to a stupid person, as
a mirror is useful to a blind person."

"Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth."