Chanakya Niti: Breaking Ties with These 7 People Can Bring Peace and Success

Acharya Chanakya, also known as Vishnugupta or Kautilya, was not just a great teacher and political strategist of ancient India, but also a profound life philosopher. His work Chanakya Niti remains a guiding light even today for millions across the world. According to Chanakya, a person’s life is shaped by the company he or she keeps. The right people uplift you, while the wrong ones drag you down. That is why Chanakya strongly advised distancing oneself from people who corrupt your mind, weaken your discipline, or obstruct your dreams. In this article, we will explore in detail the seven types of people Chanakya urged us to avoid and how breaking ties with them can open the door to peace, success, and fulfillment.

Chanakya’s first piece of advice is to avoid people who are deceitful and dishonest.
Such people may appear friendly on the surface but harbor ill intentions behind your back. They may flatter you in person but criticize or betray you when it benefits them. Their words cannot be trusted, and their loyalty is always questionable.

Living or working with dishonest people fills your life with insecurity and stress. They can manipulate your emotions, waste your time, and eventually cause irreparable harm to your trust and self-confidence.
It is far better to associate with someone who speaks the harsh truth than with someone who comforts you with lies. Honesty may sting temporarily, but deception leaves permanent scars.



Chanakya warned against the company of the lazy and the irresponsible.
Why?
Laziness is a silent poison. Those who avoid hard work and responsibility never progress in life, and worse, they pull others down with them. They waste time, lack discipline, and discourage others from putting in effort.
Impact on Life
If you surround yourself with such individuals, their habits eventually influence yours. Your drive to work hard weakens, and your ambition slowly fades. What could have been a thriving future turns into mediocrity.
Lesson
Seek out the company of hardworking and disciplined people. Their presence will inspire you to stay focused, consistent, and determined on your path to success.


One of Chanakya’s strongest warnings is against betrayal.
Why?
Betrayers are those who pretend to be friends in times of comfort but abandon you in times of crisis. They may use you for their advantage and vanish the moment adversity strikes.
Impact on Life
Relying on such people leads to deep disappointment and isolation. Betrayal not only destroys relationships but also erodes your faith in humanity, leaving you emotionally drained and hesitant to trust again.
A true friend is one who stands by your side in both sunshine and storm. Choose companions who prove their loyalty in difficult times, for they are your real wealth in life.


Chanakya made it clear that pessimistic and negative people are to be avoided.
Why?
Negative thinkers see problems in every solution and obstacles in every opportunity. Their constant criticism and fear-driven mindset create an environment of hopelessness.
Impact on Life
Being around such people drains your energy and confidence. Over time, you may start doubting your own abilities and lose faith in your goals. Their negativity becomes contagious.
Lesson
Surround yourself with optimistic people who radiate encouragement and hope. Their positive energy will uplift you, fuel your creativity, and give you the courage to chase your dreams.


Greed, according to Chanakya, is one of the most destructive human traits.
Why?
Greedy and selfish people view relationships as transactions. They remain with you only as long as they benefit from you, and once the profit ends, so does the relationship.
Impact on Life
Associating with selfish people leaves you emotionally empty and used. They may exploit your time, money, and emotions while giving nothing in return. True affection and loyalty are absent in such bonds.
Lesson
Value those who love you unconditionally and stand with you without expecting anything in return. Selflessness is rare but priceless—cherish it wherever you find it.

Chanakya specifically advised against keeping company with those who indulge in vices and addictions.
Why?
Whether it is alcohol, gambling, or other destructive habits, addicts not only ruin their own lives but also negatively influence those around them. They lack discipline, responsibility, and moral grounding.
Impact on Life
Living with such people risks dragging you into their destructive patterns. Addiction creates financial loss, emotional suffering, and social disgrace—not just for the addict but also for their close companions.
Lesson
Align yourself with those who live with discipline, values, and a sense of responsibility. Good habits are as contagious as bad ones—choose wisely.


Finally, Chanakya warned against arrogant individuals.
Why?
Ego blinds people to reality. The arrogant believe they are superior to all, dismissing others’ opinions and disrespecting emotions. They create an environment of hostility and comparison.
Impact on Life
Associating with arrogant people damages your self-respect. They will rarely appreciate your worth, constantly belittle you, and drain your emotional strength.
Lesson
Choose humility over arrogance. Being with humble, compassionate individuals enriches your character, builds mutual respect, and reminds you that greatness lies in service, not pride.

Chanakya Niti teaches us a timeless truth: the company we keep shapes our destiny. By breaking ties with deceitful, lazy, untrustworthy, negative, greedy, addicted, and arrogant people, we safeguard our peace of mind and accelerate our path to success.
Life is too short to be burdened by toxic relationships. Choose wisely, because your companions influence your thoughts, your habits, and ultimately, your future. As Chanakya said “The company you keep determines the future you create.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!