Caught between toxic social networking and side hustles, Gen Z are competing against many things in this fast-paced world. They need the right guidance to avoid regrets. This is where the timeless teachings of Acharya Chanakya come to the rescue.
Chanakya Niti (ethics and strategy), written in the Arthashastra, gives some important lessons that every Gen Z should get inspired by and apply in today’s time to live a better life.
5 Life Lessons From Chanakya Niti Every Gen Z Should Know
Lesson 1 - Education Is The Best Friend
An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats beauty and youth.
Acharya Chanakya emphasises the importance of education. According to him, a person may not meet the expectations of society in terms of wealth or beauty, but if they are educated and wise, they will be treated in high regard.
Wealth and beauty are temporary and may fade over time, but education and knowledge never leave a person in any condition.
How Gen Z Can Apply: In today’s world, if you want to grow, you need to upgrade your skills and learn new things every day. Pick up a hobby, attend seminars and read books as much as you can and don't depend on social media for knowledge.
Wealth and beauty are temporary and may fade over time, but education and knowledge never leave a person (Image: Pexels)
Lesson 2 - Learn To Speak At The Right Time
The cuckoos remain silent for a long time (for several seasons) until they are able to sing sweetly (in the Spring) so as to give joy to all.
In Chapter 14, Shloka 17 of Chanakya Niti, Chanakya has emphasised the importance of speaking at the right time. He used the cuckoo to explain his wisdom. According to him, a person should remain silent like the cuckoo until the right time arrives.
Similarly, a person should not share everything with everyone. Know when to share, whether it's the right time, and whether it's necessary.
How Gen Z Can Apply It: Spend time building your own expertise before expecting people to notice. Don't quit simply because your work isn't getting attention yet.
Lesson 3 - Never Brag, Be Selfless
We should not feel pride in our charity, austerity, valour, scriptural knowledge, modesty and morality for the world is full of the rarest gems.
According to Acharya Chanakya, one should not brag about their religious acts or charity to anyone. It is a selfless service. Repeatedly speaking about it makes the act lose its purpose, and the selfless deed lose its meaning.
How Gen Z Can Apply It: Don't constantly post about your achievements just to get validation. If you have helped someone, try to keep it to yourself.
Lesson 4 - Watch, Observe And Learn From Mistakes
Learn from the mistakes of others; you can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.
This statement of Acharya Chanakya Neeti persuades a person to watch, observe and learn from their mistakes instead of getting too emotional about them. If you observe and learn from your past mistakes, you will be able to make a wise decision.
How Gen Z Can Apply It: Carefully analyse your decision before taking any step. Your experience isn't the only teacher; sometimes someone's else mistakes can save you from making the same one.
Lesson 5 - Work Quietly, Keep Your Secrets Close
Never share your secrets with anybody - it will destroy you.
Through this, Acharya Chanakya emphasises the importance of secrecy. He advises that until a plan is executed and results are visible, it’s better to keep intentions private.
A person should work quietly until the output speaks for itself, without wasting their energy and undue pressure or premature judgement.
A person should work quietly until the output speaks for itself (Image: Pexels)
How Gen Z Can Apply It: In a corporate or professional environment, do not share your strategy, ambitions, or next moves, whether it's a new project idea, a plan for promotion, or a business pitch, with anyone.
You don't know whether the person you are sharing with is loyal to you. Sharing too early can lead to interference, distractions, criticism or even sabotage.
These are the five main teachings that a Gen Z can learn and apply to live a peaceful life.
FAQs
1. How can Chanakya's teachings help with career choices for young people?
Understanding principles of hard work, strategic planning, opportunities, and human psychology in professional settings can help with career choices.
2. What's the easiest way for a Gen Z individual to start applying Chanakya Niti?
By starting with one or two key principles, like disciplined saving or mindful communication, and integrating them gradually into daily life.