Skip to content

Debt Quote by Chanakya

“A debt should be paid off till the last penny; An enemy should be destroyed without a trace” quote by Chanakya
Download Open image
“A debt should be paid off till the last penny; An enemy should be destroyed without a trace”

Chanakya

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Arthashastra, 3rd century BCE

Pay debts fully and eliminate enemies completely; both demand thorough, uncompromising action.

In simple terms: Settle debts fully; destroy enemies completely

Key Takeaway

Commit to complete resolution of obligations.

Themes

finance conflict strategy

Mood

strategic stern

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • business negotiations
  • legal disputes
  • personal vendettas

Key Concepts

ethical pragmatism political power

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is total destruction always justified?
  • When is compromise appropriate?
A Different Perspective

Total elimination may be unethical.

2.3 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Chanakya

Explore all 220 Chanakya quotes

More Debt quotes

Browse all 2,345 Debt quotes