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.
ChanakyaRead
Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venomous.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Appearances can be deceiving, and sometimes it's beneficial to project strength or danger even if you are harmless.
This quote by Chanakya suggests that in the realm of power and survival, it is sometimes necessary to convey an image of threat or danger to ensure safety or to gain respect. Just as a non-venomous snake might mimic the behavior of a venomous one to ward off potential threats, individuals may need to adopt a more formidable demeanor in social or professional situations to navigate challenges effectively.
Themes
PowerDeceptionImageStrengthSurvival
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a business meeting to emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong presence.
More from Chanakya
All quotes βLet not a single day pass without your learning a verse, half a verse, or a fourth of it, or even one letter of it; nor without attending to charity, study and other pious activity.
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The life of an uneducated man is as useless as the tail of a dog which neither covers its rear end, nor protects it from the bites of insects.
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The serpent, the king, the tiger, the stinging wasp, the small child, the dog owned by other people, and the fool: these seven ought not to be awakened from sleep.
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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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