Chanakya quotes that still feel brutally relevant today

The ancient Indian philosopher Chanakya, also called Kautilya, is considered to have been one of the greatest minds, political strategists, and philosophers of ancient India. Even nowadays, people continue discussing this great sage's work in the context of modern reality, as many of his observations about the nature of humanity, human ambition, politics, and relationships between people are surprisingly true. Although sometimes his quotes appear extremely harsh or brutal to understand, those who support him state that his thoughts reflected the truth of discipline, success, and emotional intelligence. Here are some Chanakya quotes that many people still find deeply relevant in today’s personal and professional world.

"Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions"

"One, why am I doing it? Two, what the results might be? And three, will I be successful?"


This quote retains its relevance because of the need to consider one's actions very carefully. According to experts, the majority of people act impulsively choosing goals for their lives, their careers, or even personal goals without thinking about their long-term outcomes. Thus, according to experts' opinion, Chanakya's words encourage people to reflect on their intentions, to think carefully, and to be emotionally honest in order not to face regrets later. This quote appears as brutally relevant in today's reality full of impulsiveness.

"A person should not be too honest"

Despite seeming provocative, this quote warns people against excessive trusting in every situation, which can result in manipulation or betrayal in the future. According to modern psychology, this quote reflects the importance of healthy emotional barriers and emotional maturity that people should develop throughout their lives. This quote does not imply the need to be dishonest but encourages a person to strike a right balance when dealing with others, which appears to be quite relevant now.

"Education is the best friend"

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


This quote continues encouraging people to become educated as it promises success and respect in the future. In this sense, experts emphasize that education plays an important role for the success of a person at all ages, providing a person with necessary knowledge and self-improvement opportunities. In addition, according to experts' words, the need to be educated remains highly actual because of the constant changes in industries and technologies nowadays.

"Fear is the biggest disease"

Chanakya paid much attention to the concept of fear, emphasizing its destructive power. As far as he believed, those controlled by fear lost opportunities and allowed other people control them. Nowadays, experts note that fear continues affecting people's lives and makes them hesitate while making important decisions. This quote appears as brutally relevant to those people who are unable to get out of their comfort zones due to numerous fears.

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

In accordance with Chanakya's thoughts, a person should not allow fear to control his or her mind and decisions, as hesitation can make a person act irrationally and fail. Experts note that this thought can be easily applied to many situations in both professional and private spheres when people procrastinate with unpleasant and important tasks due to anxiety and fear. In this way, experts consider this quote as relevant nowadays because it encourages people to act and gain confidence.