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Our bodies are perishable, wealth is not at all permanent and death is always nearby. Therefore we must immediately engage in acts of merit.
Chanakya
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Life is fleeting, and material wealth is temporary, so we should focus on good deeds.

This quote emphasizes the transient nature of physical existence and material possessions, reminding us that since our bodies are temporary and wealth can vanish, it is imperative to prioritize virtuous actions and humanitarian efforts. The awareness of death's proximity encourages us to engage in meaningful endeavors that enrich both ourselves and others.

Themes

MeritTemporaryWealthDeathGood Deeds

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about valuing time and relationships over material wealth.

More from Chanakya

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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Let 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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Quote by Chanakya | QuoteProject