Radhakrishnan Pillai, author of Inside Chanakya's Mind, passes away: Timeless quotes of the author that will keep inspiring generations

Radhakrishnan Pillai, the author who made power, leadership strategy speak to modern boardrooms and living rooms alike, is gone. He passed away recently, leaving behind a body of work that fundamentally changed how millions of Indians thought about strategy, power, and purpose in their everyday lives.

If you've picked up "Inside Chanakya's Mind" or any of his books on Chanakya's teachings, you know what made Pillai different. Radhakrishnan Pillai built an entire library around making Chanakya's ancient wisdom relevant to modern life. And people actually loved them. Like, genuinely picked them up and kept them on their shelves, not just for show. "Inside Chanakya's Mind" is one of the most talked about. This was his breakthrough—the book that convinced thousands of people that a political strategist from 2,000 years ago had something meaningful to say about their careers, relationships, and how to navigate a world that often feels designed to trip you up. It's the kind of book you recommend to a friend because you found something useful in it, not because you're supposed to.

Other books written by him are Chanakya Neeti, Corporate Chanakya, Chanakya in You, Chanakya in Daily Life, Katha Chanakya, Chanakya's 7 secrets of leadership, Chanakya's 100 best sutras, Chanakya and the art of war, Chanakya and the art of getting rich, Chanakya in the classroom, Chatur Chanakya and the Himalayan problem, Corporate Chanakya on Management, Art of winning: The Chanakya way, Chanakya in the classroom: Life lessons for students.

Here are the timeless quotes from his creations that will motivate generations ahead:

• There are three types of people in this world. The first type learns by making mistakes; the second type keeps making mistakes but never learns; and finally, the third is the most intelligent type – they learn from the mistakes of others.
• When a leader was once asked how to develop the skill of quick decision-making, he answered, “Be around people who are not afraid of making mistakes.
• Worrying is like a rocking chair, it moves but does not go ahead. There is action but no progress.
• When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. We all start on a journey, but only a few adapt to the changes and overcome problems.
• Remember that when you finally get your dream job or project, it is not enough. In fact, it's just the beginning. Then you must deliver what you have promised. Show your capability, not just by words but by result-oriented actions too. And learn to work with others, for that's the secret for succeeding in any project.
• Plan out your work and work out your plan
• A manager can also achieve this if work is not considered a “task” to be completed, but an opportunity to learn.
• If the king is energetic, his subjects will be equally energetic. If he is slack (and lazy in performing his duties) the subjects will also be lazy, thereby, eating into his wealth. Besides, a lazy king will easily fall into the hands of the enemies. Hence the king should himself always be energetic.

Tributes pour in

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai, acclaimed author, leadership thinker, and educator who brought timeless wisdom on leadership and life into contemporary conversations, inspiring countless readers, professionals, and young leaders to think with purpose, integrity, and vision.

Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, students, and the many lives he touched through his enduring legacy," Harper Collins posted on X.



"We are deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai last night at Mangalore.

He was an inspiring teacher, thinker, author and a proud torchbearer of India’s knowledge traditions.

To the world he was known as the author of Corporate Chanakya, who brought the timeless brilliance of Acharya Chanakya into the language of modern leadership and management. But to many within Chinmaya Mission, he was also a sincere sevak, a committed CHYK, and a humble student of Indian wisdom," CHYK India said in a long post on social media.