7 life lessons from Chanakya Niti: How to live wisely

Life's experiences are the best teachers. The lessons learned through success and failure are not found in books. Learn seven invaluable lessons from Chanakya.

Image Credit: Instagram

Time heals all wounds. Wisdom comes with age. Yes, time is truly life's most powerful teacher. No matter how much advice you read or how many warnings you hear, some lessons must come from your own life experiences. You learn only when you experience both joyful and challenging moments. Every experience, whether it is a success or a failure, creates an understanding in you that cannot be obtained from books. Those lessons give you clarity in confusion, patience in despair, and strength in weakness. This is why elders always tell you 'you will know when you get older'. Here are seven such invaluable lessons, according to Acharya Chanakya.

1) Patience is more powerful than speed. 

The world wants everything quickly today. In such a world, patience seems old-fashioned. But, time teaches us that rushing is detrimental to lasting success or happiness. Whether it is building a career, comforting a grieving heart, or mastering a skill, patience allows for natural growth.

2) Failure is a stepping stone, not the end. 

You may think that initial failures destroyed me. But over time, you learn that failure is just feedback. It is a necessary part of growth. It teaches you to review, adapt, and become stronger. The most successful people have failed many times and refused to give up on winning.

3) People change, and that's okay. 

Relationships evolve, and relatives can go in unexpected directions. Holding someone too tight or expecting them to stay the same leads to pain. Letting go doesn't mean you care less. It means you respect the natural flow of life.

4) Self-care is essential, not selfish. 

When you are young, it is easy to prioritize others over your own needs. But, if you neglect yourself, it will drain your energy and happiness. Time will teach you this. Self-care, taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical health is essential for you.

5) Comparison steals your happiness. 

It is not appropriate to measure your success against others. This is a ubiquitous plague, especially in today's social media world. But over time, you realize that comparison only creates insecurity and dissatisfaction. Your journey is unique, with its own pace and milestones.

6) Gratitude changes perspective. 

Life is not perfect. The power of gratitude is that it changes your mindset. Small moments of joy, appreciating those around you, help you find peace amidst chaos and open the door to deep happiness.

7) Your time is precious. 

Spend it wisely. As you get older, there is a serious realization that time is limited. Life's distractions seem less important. And priorities become clear. You learn to invest your energy in passions, relationships, and experiences that enrich your soul.

These lessons do not come from reading or from the advice of others. They come through the highs or lows of your unexpected journeys in life. The more time you spend experiencing and growing, the clearer these truths become. It's okay if you don't master all of these lessons. The beauty of life is that learning never stops. Continue to embrace time as your greatest teacher. You become wiser, stronger, and more compassionate every day.