Life Lessons from Chanakya

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The name 'Chanakya' generally reminds one of mental sharpness, I strategic planning and meticulous execution.

Chanakya, the Rajaguru of Samrat Chandragupta, was the founder of the Mauryan empire. Chanakya had annihilated the Nanda Dynasty and installed the Maurya Dynasty in Magadha Empire with Pataliputra (Patna) as its capital.

Chanakya is also known as Kautilya and Vishnugupta. His period is considered to be 4th Century B.C. He is the author of the celebrated 'Arthashastra", arguably the oldest treatise on politics. He is considered a pioneer in economic thought as well and known as "The Machiavelli of India".

Chanakya Niti, is a collection of aphorisms, said to be chosen by Chanakya from various shastras. I had written about Chanakya's sayings with contemporary examples in 'The Hindu Tamil Thisai' newspaper. These were published in the commercial page supplement every Monday, under the series 'Sabash Chanakya'.

Chanakya's sayings have a universal appeal transcending time and geographies. So it was decided to have an English version of the 101 articles in two parts. This book is the first part with 51 articles. Quotes of Chanakya are highly pragmatic. They can be applied in our day-to-day life.

For instance, many of us, due to over affection, give more freedom to our children and they get 'spoiled'. Look at how Chanakya gives a pragmatic advice on this.

"Treat your kids like a darling for the first five years. For the next ten years, discipline them. By the time they turn fifteen, treat them like a friend".