Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness.

Explanation

This Chanakya teaching advises against forming friendships with individuals who are either significantly higher or lower than oneself in terms of social status. It suggests that such friendships are unlikely to bring genuine happiness or fulfillment. The teaching implies that friendships should be built on equality and mutual respect to foster a meaningful and harmonious connection. Establishing relationships solely based on hierarchical differences may lead to imbalances, misunderstandings, or unfulfilled expectations. It highlights the importance of seeking companionship with those who share a similar level of status or outlook to promote healthy and mutually beneficial relationships.