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Avoid him who talks sweetly before you but tries to ruin you behind your back, for he is like a pitcher of poison with milk on top.
Chanakya
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Beware of deceitful people who appear kind but harbor ill intentions.

This quote by Chanakya warns against trusting those who show outward sweetness while secretly plotting against you. It illustrates the danger of being misled by superficial charm, emphasizing the importance of discerning true intentions rather than being swayed by appearances.

Themes

DeceitTrustWisdomAppearancesIntention

In practice

Example use cases

During a team meeting, you could use this quote to advise colleagues on being cautious about a coworker who seems friendly.

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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.
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Whoever imposes severe punishment becomes repulsive to the people; while he who awards mild punishment becomes contemptible. But whoever imposes punishment as deserved becomes respectable.
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One whose knowledge is confined to books and whose wealth is in the possession of others, can use neither his knowledge nor wealth when the need for them arises.
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