Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.

If an injury has to be done to a man, it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.

The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves.

There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.

Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.

All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger (it’s impossible), but calculating risk and acting decisively.

Since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved.

Men in general judge more by the sense of sight than by the sense of touch.

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.

How we live is so different from how we ought to live that he who studies what ought to be done rather than what is done will learn the way to his downfall rather than to his preservation.

Men are so simple of mind, and so much dominated by their immediate needs, that a deceitful man will always find plenty who are ready to be deceived.

A prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent.

There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.

Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.

Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.

A wise ruler should rely on what is under his own control, not on what is under the control of others.

People should either be caressed or crushed. If you do them minor damage they will get their revenge; but if you cripple them there is nothing they can do.

It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things.

War should be the only study of a prince; he should consider peace only as a breathing-time.

Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.

Written in the 16th century, The Prince remains one of the most influential books on political theory. Its author, Niccolo Machiavelli was an Italian diplomat and political theorist, and is considered the father of modern political thought.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

philosophy

Philosophy

entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

books

Books

politics

Politics

Niccolo Machiavelli

The Prince

I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK? It’s, like, incredible.

When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.

I will build a great wall – and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me – and I’ll build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words.

If Hillary Clinton can’t satisfy her husband what makes her think she can satisfy America?

The beauty of me is that I’m very rich.

I think the only difference between me and the other candidates is that I’m more honest and my women are more beautiful.

You know, it really doesn’t matter what the media write as long as you’ve got a young, and beautiful, piece of ass.

I’ve said if Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her.

My fingers are long and beautiful, as, it has been well documented, are various other parts of my body.

I have so many fabulous friends who happen to be gay, but I am a traditionalist.

Look at those hands, are they small hands? And, he referred to my hands — ‘if they’re small, something else must be small.’ I guarantee you there’s no problem. I guarantee.

I think I am actually humble. I think I’m much more humble than you would understand.

Sorry losers and haters, but my I.Q. is one of the highest - and you all know it! Please don’t feel so stupid or insecure, it’s not your fault.

I know words. I have the best words.

I’m really rich. And by the way, I’m not saying that in a bragging way, that’s the kind of mindset you need for this country.

Why can’t we use nuclear weapons?

moneyandinvestments

Money & Investments

strategy

Strategy

entertainment

Entertainment

Donald Trump’s craziest and most Unhinged Quotes

Dostoevsky

Socrates

Aristotle

Nietzsche

Freud

Marx

Picasso

Gandhi

Schopenhauer

Bertrand Russell

Steve Jobs

Einstein

Stephen Hawking

Kafka

Buddha

Shankara

Rumi

Ramana Maharshi

Thich Nhat Hanh

Each one must therefore give life a meaning according to how you one perceive.

:•

mindfulness

Mindfulness

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

What is life?

Shloka:कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।(Chapter 2, Verse 47)Meaning: You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.Lesson: Focus on your duties without attachment to the outcomes. This promotes a sense of peace and fulfillment.

Karma Yoga

Shloka:नैनं छिद्रन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः।(Chapter 2, Verse 23)Meaning: The soul cannot be cut by weapons, burned by fire, wetted by water, or dried by the wind.Lesson: The soul is eternal and indestructible; understanding this helps alleviate fear of death.

The Eternal Soul

Shloka:यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।(Chapter 4, Verse 7)Meaning: Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, I manifest myself.Lesson: Divine intervention occurs when moral order is threatened; it reassures believers of divine support.

Righteousness

Shloka:क्रोधाद्भवति संमोहः संमोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रमः।(Chapter 2, Verse 63)Meaning: From anger comes delusion; from delusion arises confusion of memory; from confusion of memory arises loss of intelligence.Lesson: Anger leads to a loss of rationality; controlling emotions is crucial for clarity and wisdom.

Anger and Delusion

Shloka:नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः।(Chapter 2, Verse 16)Meaning: There is no existence for the unreal; the real never ceases to exist.Lesson: Understanding the distinction between the eternal (real) and the temporary (unreal) is key to spiritual wisdom.

The Nature of Reality

Shloka:यः सर्वत्र समं दृष्ट्वा आत्मानं स पण्डितः।(Chapter 5, Verse 18)Meaning: The wise see all beings as equal; they see themselves in all beings.Lesson: Cultivating equanimity fosters compassion and understanding among all living beings.

Equanimity

Shloka:श्रद्धावान्ल्लभते ज्ञानं तत्परः संयतेन्द्रियः।(Chapter 4, Verse 39)Meaning: A faithful person who controls their senses obtains knowledge and soon attains supreme peace.Lesson: Faith and self-control are essential for acquiring true knowledge and achieving inner peace.

The Path to Knowledge

Shloka:सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मां एकं सरणं व्रज।(Chapter 18, Verse 66)Meaning: Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me.Lesson: Complete surrender to God leads to liberation from sin and suffering.

The Power of Surrender

Shloka:यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः।(Chapter 3, Verse 21)Meaning: Whatever action a leader performs, others follow suit.Lesson: Leaders must act responsibly as their actions set examples for others.

The Role of a Leader

Shloka:मच्चित्तः सर्वदुर्गाणि मत्प्रसादात्तरिष्यसि।(Chapter 18, Verse 58)Meaning: With your mind focused on Me, you will overcome all obstacles by My grace.Lesson: Faith in divine guidance helps in overcoming life's challenges.

Overcoming Obstacles

Shloka:विषयाः विनिवर्तन्ते निराहारस्य देहिनः।(Chapter 2, Verse 59)Meaning: The senses withdraw from their objects for one who abstains from food but not for one who merely refrains from eating.Lesson: True control over desires comes from inner strength rather than mere external restraint.

The Nature of Desire

Shloka:ज्ञानेन तु तदज्ञानं येषां नाशितमात्मनः।(Chapter 5, Verse 16)Meaning: Those who have knowledge dispel ignorance; their consciousness is illuminated by wisdom.Lesson: Knowledge is transformative; it dispels ignorance and leads to liberation.

True Knowledge

Shloka:अव्यक्तादीनि भूतानि व्यक्तमध्यानि भारत।(Chapter 2, Verse 28)Meaning: All beings are unmanifest before birth and manifest at birth; they become unmanifest again at death.Lesson: Life is cyclical; understanding this helps in accepting life's transient nature.

The Essence of Life

Shloka:उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।(Chapter 6, Verse 5)Meaning: One must elevate oneself by one's own mind; one should not degrade oneself.Lesson: Self-improvement is essential; we are responsible for our own spiritual progress.

The Importance of Action

Shloka:सर्वस्य चाहं हृदि सन्निविष्टो मद्दृष्टे: सर्वभूतानि।(Chapter 15, Verse 15)Meaning: I am seated in everyone's heart; from Me comes remembrance, knowledge, and forgetfulness.Lesson: God resides within all beings; recognizing this fosters unity and compassion among people.

The Nature of God

Shloka:आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत।(Chapter 2, Verse 14)Meaning:Endure the dualities of happiness and distress as they come and go like winter and summer seasons.Lesson:Patience in facing life's ups and downs is essential for spiritual growth.

Embracing Change

Shloka:बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते।(Chapter 5, Verse 10)Meaning:One who performs their duty without attachment is not affected by sinful action.Lesson:Acting without attachment purifies one's actions.

Spiritual Awakening

Shloka:उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।(Chapter 6, Verse 5)Meaning:One must elevate oneself by one's own mind.Lesson:The mind can be both friend and enemy; mastering it is crucial for success.

The Mind's Power

Shloka:यस्य नाहंकृतो भावो बुद्धिर्यस्य न लिप्यते।(Chapter 14, Verse 22)Meaning:One who is free from egoism remains unattached even while performing actions.Lesson:Ego detachment leads to peace and harmony in life.

Finding Peace

Shloka:मन मनाभव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु।(Chapter 18, Verse 65)Meaning: Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me, and offer your homage unto Me.Lesson: This emphasizes the importance of devotion and surrender to God for spiritual growth.

Devotion

The Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture in Hindu philosophy, contains numerous shlokas (verses) that impart profound wisdom on life, duty, and spirituality. Here are 20 of the greatest shlokas from the Gita, along with their meanings and lessons:

religionandspirituality

Religion & Spirituality

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada

Bhagavad-Gita As It Is

Historical Challenges: Traditionally, the complexity of government systems and strict procurement processes made software innovation difficult and unattractive for startups.Opportunities with AI: Artificial intelligence offers the ability to automate repetitive administrative tasks, saving taxpayer money and improving services. Areas like form processing, application reviews, and data summarization are particularly well-suited for AI solutions.

Transforming Government Software

Current Innovations: Companies like Flock Safety are pioneering the use of license plate recognition to help solve crimes more efficiently. Meanwhile, Abel Police’s paperwork automation allows officers more time for active duty.Future Tech Focus: YC is particularly interested in startups developing advanced computer vision for monitoring suspicious activity, emergency response tech, and community safety platforms, emphasizing privacy and ethical considerations.

Public Safety Technology

Economic and Social Impact: Bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. could reduce dependence on foreign production, create jobs, and address economic inequalities.Automation Advantage: The rise of machine learning-based robotics allows for efficient, high-quality production without reliance on low-cost labor, making U.S. manufacturing more globally competitive and resilient.

Revitalizing U.S. Manufacturing

Evolving Regulation: Stablecoin technology now benefits from a more promising regulatory outlook, making it easier for financial institutions to adopt.Market Growth: With stablecoins now facilitating over 20% of Mastercard’s transaction volume, startups that enable stablecoin payments, transfers, or business integrations stand to gain significant market traction.

Stablecoins and Financial Stability

Overcoming Fintech Hurdles: Recent years have been difficult for fintech, but new AI-driven infrastructures and tools like Stripe’s financial APIs are changing the game.Key Opportunity Areas: Startups can leverage this moment to innovate in areas like digital banking, AI-based insurance models, wealth management, and cross-border payment solutions, free from traditional financial systems’ legacy burdens.

Fintech 2.0: Reinventing Financial Services

Growing Demand: As AI capabilities expand, demand for customized chips increases, especially for sectors requiring specialized, high-efficiency computation.AI Optimization: Large language models (LLMs) are now capable of optimizing the complex design processes of ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), making chip manufacturing faster and more cost-effective.

LLMs for Chip Design

Affordable Launches: The cost of launching satellites has fallen tenfold since SpaceX’s first launch, enabling even small startups to enter the space industry.Business Possibilities: With cheaper, routine access to space, companies can explore markets related to satellite data, telecommunications, Earth observation, and even asteroid mining—areas once reserved for large, government-funded entities.

Lowering Barriers to Space Innovation

Static Engineering Tools: Traditional engineering software relies heavily on complex, manual processes that are costly and time-intensive.AI-Enhanced Design: AI-powered engineering tools can reduce the expertise barrier, allowing more rapid and precise development in fields like aerospace, structural engineering, and automotive design, by automating simulations and calculations.

AI-Aided Engineering Tools for Physical World Applications

Human-Centric Employment: As automation reshapes the workforce, YC seeks startups that focus on creating sustainable, human-driven roles that can’t be easily replaced by AI.Future of Work: Ideas could include platforms enabling localized business, personalized services, or new models for self-employment—empowering individuals to generate income in a rapidly changing job market.

One Million Jobs 2.0

Critical Issue: Climate change solutions need more advanced, precise tools, particularly in monitoring and reducing carbon emissions.AI Applications: There’s potential for AI to aid in real-time climate data processing, prediction models, and in guiding sustainable practices in agriculture, energy, and waste management.

AI Tools for Climate and Sustainability

Expanding Access: There’s a massive gap in accessible, affordable healthcare that startups can address using telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and patient management systems.Precision and Efficiency: Technology can optimize healthcare delivery, offering remote solutions, predictive care, and personalized medicine that reduce costs and improve patient outcomes.

Health Tech and Digital Healthcare

We’re entering an era where AI and advanced technology are revolutionizing construction and infrastructure. This golden age is brimming with opportunities to innovate for public benefit. Here’s a glimpse of the high-impact areas where builders can contribute:

technologyandthefuture

Technology & The Future

startup

Startups

computerscience

Computer Science

artificialintelligence

Artificial Intelligence

softwareengineering

Software Engineering

Golden age of building (Ycombinator)

Always make those above you feel superior. Avoid showing off your talents too much.

Never Outshine the Master

Friends may betray; enemies are often more dependable.

Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends; Learn How to Use Enemies

Keep people off-balance by hiding your plans.

Conceal Your Intentions

Powerful people impress by speaking little.

Always Say Less Than Necessary

So Much Depends on Reputation—Guard It with Your Life

Stand out to avoid being overlooked.

Court Attention at All Costs

Leverage others' knowledge and skills.

Get Others to Do the Work for You, but Always Take the Credit

Play the waiting game to keep control.

Make Other People Come to You—Use Bait if Necessary

Actions are more persuasive than words.

Win Through Your Actions, Never Through Argument

Emotions and mindsets are contagious.

Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky People

Make others rely on you for their own success.

Learn to Keep People Dependent on You

A small gesture of kindness can break down defenses.

Use Selective Honesty and Generosity to Disarm Your Victim

People are more likely to help if it benefits them.

When Asking for Help, Appeal to Self-Interest, Never to Mercy

Gather information to stay in control.

Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy

A threat that is not fully eliminated will return stronger.

Crush Your Enemy Totally

Limited presence increases your value.

Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor

Being unpredictable keeps others wary.

Keep Others in Suspended Terror: Cultivate Unpredictability

Stay involved with people, Isolation is Dangerous

Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself

People react differently; be cautious.

Know Who You’re Dealing With—Do Not Offend the Wrong Person

Keep people off-balance by not being loyal to anyone.

Do Not Commit to Anyone

summary of the 48 Laws of Power, as written by Robert Greene in his book The 48 Laws of Power. Each law is concise and presents a concept on influence and control.

Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this multi-million-copy New York Times bestseller is the definitive manual for anyone interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control – from the author of The Laws of Human Nature. In the book that People magazine proclaimed “beguiling” and “fascinating,” Robert Greene and Joost Elffers have distilled three thousand years of the history of power into 48 essential laws by drawing from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz and also from the lives of figures ranging from Henry Kissinger to P.T. Barnum.   Some laws teach the need for prudence (“Law 1: Never Outshine the Master”), others teach the value of confidence (“Law 28: Enter Action with Boldness”), and many recommend absolute self-preservation (“Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally”). Every law, though, has one thing in common: an interest in total domination. In a bold and arresting two-color package, The 48 Laws of Power is ideal whether your aim is conquest, self-defense, or simply to understand the rules of the game.

The Prince

Donald Trump’s craziest and most Unhinged Quotes

What is life?

Bhagavad-Gita As It Is

Golden age of building (Ycombinator)

Nikhil