Learning Chanakya’s lessons from James Bond

Thursday, August 26, 2010 18:45

As a child I was enamoured by the famous line “My name is Bond… James Bond…” and saw some of his movies. But I never believed such a character could exist in real life. But over the last few years since I started learning and teaching Chanakya’s ideas, my views of Mr. Bond have changed. Yes, he is an imaginary character, but he comes very close to an ‘ideal spy’ as envisioned by Chanakya and documented in his Kautilya Arthashastra.

So, I made it a point to watch all the 22 James Bond movies from a researcher’s perspective. Together with my wife Surekha, we watched the DVDs at home, over the course of a year and relished every bit of it. We ‘traveled’ with Bond to different parts of the world, adored his calmness in situations facing near death, enjoyed the chases and loved his mastery over human psychology. Bond not only entertains you but also educates you in global strategies. Today, with Chanakya’s thoughts, I have started to look at Bond differently.

In the first book of Kautilya’s Arthashastra called Vinayadhi-karikam (The topic of training), three chapters viz. chapter number 11, and 16, are dedicated to persons in secret service. It describes in detail appointment of secret service agents, their qualities, creation of an institution of spies and also rules and regulations for them.

Let’s see many of the qualities of James Bond that Chanakya espoused in his work centuries ago.


Planning well in advance

Chanakya: “He should start after making proper arrangements of vehicles… etc” (Arthashastra 1.16.5)

James Bond is very well prepared on all his missions. We find him getting thoroughly briefed by his seniors before proceeding to a foreign country on an assignment. Even Mr.Q the scientist who develops the latest gadgets and vehicles for James Bond gives him an update on the latest inventions to be used during the mission. James Bond always has a backup plan ready before he enters into the enemy territory.

Thinking how the enemy thinks
Chanakya: “Reflecting over the discussions and reply expected from the enemy he should proceed” (Arthashastra 1.16.6)

Bond is a strategic thinker. He has done thorough research on the background of his opponent. Mentally he rehearses the possible discussions that will occur between him during the meeting with the enemy. He always prepares his replies accordingly. This ensures that he is always cool and confident while in front of the enemy.


Know the enemy’s territory

Chanakya: “He should enter the enemy’s residence with permission. And he should aim for the results, even when danger to his life is seen (in doing so)” (Arthashastra 1.16.10-11)

Bond movies are shot at different locations across the globe. While in his missions he is sent to unseen territory he very well knows his enemy’s region is best suited to the enemy himself. Therefore whenever he enters enemy territory he does that with grace while showing respect to his opponent. Most James Bond movies show him entering the enemy’s territory. Out there he never loses focus on what he has to achieve in his mission. Even while risking his life, he fulfils his mission.


Body language

Chanakya was an expert in Body language also known as Anga-Vidya. A spy is expected to be a master of this art. He said, “He should notice graciousness in speech, expression and the eyes of the enemy” (Arthashastra 1.16.112)

People read books but how many know how to read human beings? Bond is a good reader of human beings. He has a good sense of observation. He watches the speech, the tone, the voice modulation and expressions of the people he meets. He is not afraid of directly looking into the eyes of the enemy demonstrating the high level of self-confidence he has. To be successful in life, the skill of reading and understanding body language is a must.

What not to do
There is one thing, though, that James Bond does which Chanakya did not recommend. Says Chanakya: “He should avoid women and drink. He should sleep alone. For it is often seen that the intentions of a person are revealed in sleep or intoxication” (1.16.21-23)

Chanakya is not against sex and that is not the point here. In fact, some scholars have said his other name could have been Vatsyayana – the author of Kamasutra. But here a man on duty and mission of the country has to be extremely alert with wine and women. This is most applicable when you are in another country. The reason is clearly explained. Women as spies who can eke out precious secrets is not uncommon. The concept of Vish-kanya, the woman spy was also invented by Chanakya himself. The movies do show women who fool James Bond and almost get him close to death.

‘Be alert’ says Chanakya. Do not drink- as in an intoxicated state one will open out secret intentions. Sleep alone- as talking during sleep unconsciously reveals inner thoughts.

Those who want to study Chanakya should study James bond. And those who have enjoyed Bond movies and books will enjoy Chanakya’s ideas too. Both are extremely intelligent persons who understand ‘human psychology’. The important difference is that James Bond is a figment of somebody’s imagination Chanakya was a real thinker about 2300 years ago who still continues to stimulate everybody’s imagination!

- Radhakrishan Pillai

Radhakrishnan Pillai is an expert on Kautilya Arthashastra the book of 6000 sutras written by Chanakya in the 3rd Century B.C. To know more about him and his research work, visit www.spmfoundation.in. His book, Corporate Chanakya, Successful Management the Chankya Way published in 2010, is now available on all leading bookstores across India.

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