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
Do not be very upright in your dealings for you would see by going to the forest that straight trees are cut down while crooked ones are left standing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that being overly rigid or upright can lead to consequences, whereas adaptability can ensure survival.
Chanakya's quote reflects the wisdom that flexibility and adaptability in one's approach to life and dealings can be more beneficial than adhering strictly to ideals of uprightness or rigidity. Just as straight trees may be easier to cut down while crooked ones survive in a forest, individuals who are too rigid in their principles may face difficulties that more adaptable individuals can evade. It highlights the importance of practical wisdom and the ability to bend without breaking in response to the challenges of life.
Themes
AdaptabilityWisdomFlexibilityUprightSurvival
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of being flexible in our strategies for success.
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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