"There is poison in the fang of the serpent, in the mouth of the fly and in the sting of a scorpion; but the wicked man is saturated with it."

Life

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on life by Chanakya resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in life is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Chanakya

Chanakya, according to legendary narratives preserved in various traditions dating from the 4th to 11th century CE, was a Brahmin who assisted the first Mauryan emperor Chandragupta in his rise to power and the establishment of the Maurya Empire. According to these narratives, Chanakya served as the chief adviser and prime minister to both emperors Chandragupta Maurya and his son Bindusara.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Chanakya

"There is no austerity equal to a balanced mind, and there is no happiness equal to contentment there is no disease like covetousness, and no virtue like mercy."

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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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"The one excellent thing that can be learned from a lion is that whatever a man intends doing should be done by him with a whole-hearted and strenuous effort."

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"The wise man should restrain his senses like the crane and accomplish his purpose with due knowledge of his place, time and ability."

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More about Life

"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions. This remains the cornerstone of personal mastery — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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"To know when to speak and when to listen is the hallmark of genuine discernment. In this truth lies the bedrock of all virtue — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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