All of us, at one time or the other, face the dilemma of not knowing what remuneration to ask for our work. Whether it’s the salary at a new job, funding for a business, charging a client for services, or even asking for donations for a noble cause, we always get stumped by the question: How much to ask?
Chanakya had a solution to this problem as well.
He said: “He should ask money of the rich according to their wealth, or according to benefits (conferred on them), or whatever they may offer of their own will.” (5.2.35)
So, what Chanakya suggested was to first—even before you ask for any money—make a deep study of the person in front. People who master this art can easily succeed in any venture.
Let us split the above verse to understand it better:
According to their wealth
Now, this is very subjective. The wealthy differ from one place to another. For instance, the richest man in a village is just another man in a big city while your rich neighbour would be just another man according to global standards.
Therefore, Chanakya suggested that one should ask for money from the rich as per their wealth.
Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai is an Indian management thinker, author, and Founder of Atma Darshan and Chanakya Aanvikshiki. Dr Pillai has extensively researched Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the 3rd century BC treatise and incorporated it into modern management.
Comments