"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."

Friendship

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on friendship by Chanakya resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in friendship 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

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

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

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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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More about Friendship

"I want to be distinguished from the rest to tell the truth, a friend to all mankind is not a friend for me."

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"The harmony of the universe dictates that the bonds of friendship are the true treasures of existence."

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"Laughter is not at all a bad beginning for a friendship, and it is far the best ending for one."

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"Your best friend and worst enemy are both in this room right now. It's not your neighbor right or left - and it's not God or the devil - it's you."

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