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
Those born blind cannot see; similarly blind are those in the grip of lust. Proud men have no perception of evil; and those bent on acquiring riches see no sin in their actions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Desire and pride can blind individuals to moral evils and true reality.
In this quote, Chanakya highlights how desires such as lust and pride can incapacitate one's ability to recognize the moral implications of their actions. Just as a physically blind person is unable to see the world around them, those consumed by their unchecked impulses are spiritually blind to the wrongs they commit, thus emphasizing the need for self-awareness and moral reflection.
Themes
BlindnessLustPridePerceptionMoralityWealth
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the consequences of unchecked ambition, this quote could serve as a warning.
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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