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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fair treatment in authority earns respect, while excessive or insufficient punishment leads to disdain.
This quote by Chanakya emphasizes the importance of balance in leadership and authority. It suggests that those in power must exercise their judgment in administering punishment; being too harsh alienates the people, being too lenient breeds dishonor, but applying justice firmly and fairly cultivates respect among the governed.
Themes
PunishmentJusticeLeadershipRespectAuthority
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about leadership, one might highlight this quote to illustrate the importance of fair governance.
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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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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Swans live wherever there is water, and leave the place where water dries up; let not a man act so - and comes and goes as he pleases.
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