I was sitting and pondering over the thoughts of Chanakya (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC) that he was and used to bring reform in the socio political system. Not much in deep but as I come across a blog that was a kind of gist of teachings of the great Indian Guru. Well with the time there had been tremendous changes and the working methods of economics and politics have gone a sea change. In this 21^st century getting adapted to the age-old teaching is not feasible at all. Doing it the same way will be moving in reverse direction to that era than to move forward. Yes he was reformist of his era but with the time equations changes and there is no such recipe that works in all situations in all time.

With due respect to the Guru of ancient India I honestly try to describe what he has ever said and what is the ground realities now. Any body seems to be contrary to my comments, please have your say:

 
"A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first."

Though honesty is the best policy but in the time of need you have to be articulating with better communication so that you are understood the way you want. If every body had been following Chanakya then there would have lost the word of trust.

"Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venomous."

Snakes are creature not above humans it is poisonous to protect from its enemy and make its living. They are very much part of our universe. Although in the present age, the venom of snake is used to protect humans not to kill them. In the implied meaning of qoute we create our strangth to reveal our power to protect our race and yet be peaceful without trespassing and infringement to others.    

"The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody.It will definitely destroy you."

Present age lives of people are open diaries like a blog. There is nothing secret in the age of internet and the modern mantra is transparency even you have right to information by law. Hallmark of success comes by sharing the secrets of success. Even Chanakya did that once he was through with change regime in the city.

"There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth."

Friendship has turned to be business partnerships and network of people you have acquaintances with. Self interest is supported by the friends to get that same in return. It is like what you give that you get.


"Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it, What the results might be and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead."

Well the first question is strong enough to give the answers. Why I am doing it?

If you know why you are doing it your result will be the purpose you are doing it. Success and failure are the respective terms related to the efforts and methodology used to get the work done. Think deeply in the planning stage and later is the action and that has to be get going.

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

Finish off the root cause of your greatest fears you will never be afraid again.

"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."
 

"The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction."

"A man is great at by deeds, not by birth."


"Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness."

Happiness comes with sharing. Now is the world of equal opportunity to all, the status comes with arrogance. Law is same for all. Friends can be like minded people considerate enough to share their joy and sorrow. Happy people make the happiness be it any where.

"Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years. For the next five years, scold them. By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend. Your grown up children are your best friends."

Well Chanakya himself has not gone thru this and he was the most beloved child of their parents till he was parted to go to Pathliputra for his education. Even the destiny took its toll and later he met his childhood love to whom he married.


"Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror is useful to a blind person."

"The world's biggest power is the youth and beauty of a woman."

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