December 6.

341.  Humility is the most difficult of all virtues to achieve; nothing dies harder than the desire to think well of oneself. (Thomas Eliot).

          More lofty than a mountain will be the greatness of that man who, without swerving from his proper state, controls himself. (Thirukkurahl – 124).

நிலையின் திரியாது அடங்கியான் தோற்றம் 

மலையினும் மாணப் பெரிது. (குறள் - 124).

          Nilaiyil thiriyaadhu adanghiyaan thoartram

          Malaiyinum maahna(p) peridhu. (Thirukkurahl – 124).

                   Everyone would be wondering as to who should be considered as successful persons in life. Those who were once poor, and later became rich to enjoy all the comforts, could be considered as successful persons. One should think how it was possible for them to appear like that.

                   Education is essential for a successful life. Some may not shine well academically. They should involve in technical work with interest. Development does not mean that one should have more wealth than others. Such thoughts would induce them to enter into wrong business practices. To achieve this, they would destroy and deceive many people. If a person develops his life by spoiling others, that life would never be pleasant and dignified. One should know the things which could bring in self-pride. If education, physical strength, profession and man-power are present to some extent, that person would become arrogant. They would think proud of themselves. Then they would insult others. They would move around with arrogance, telling that there is no one as intelligent as they are. If a business is done with integrity and honesty, only limited wealth could be obtained. Such people who earn in proper ways would never boast of themselves. The one who studied properly and employed, would not boast of himself. Those who studied philosophy along with their good education would never be arrogant. One should avoid the various ways of getting self-pride.

                   Therefore, we should think of the development in life. One should work in a just way. We should attain the higher level, according to our capability. We should never boast of our achievements. However, one can say the methods of achievements to motivate others. Hence, let us live with honesty and kindness. Where there is kindness, arrogance will not arise; let us respect kindness.         

December 7.

342.  Tradition cannot be inherited, and if you want it you must obtain it by great labor. (Thomas Eliot).

          The world applauds the character of those whose usefulness results from their equity and charity. (Thirukkurahl – 994).

நயனொடு நன்றி புரிந்த பயனுடையார்

பண்புபா ராட்டும் உலகு. (குறள் - 994).

          Nayanodu nandri purindha payanudaiyaar

          Pahnbu-paa raattum vulaghu. (Thirukkurahl – 994).

                   The way of life would be different for each person. Many people would lead a life without any aim, and without any worry. They would do whatever work they could get, and live with the income from that. No harm occurs to anybody due to them. The deficiency faced by them is met by government, some individuals and some social organizations. Some of such poor people commit small crimes; petty thefts, cheatings are done by them. If these things are not committed, the country would get a good name.

                   Some people want to enjoy a comfortable life by deceiving poor and rich people in a large scale. Due to this, some families are affected. Another group of people involve in dangerous activities which would destroy a country, and in spreading the ‘drugs’, which would destroy the society, thereby damaging the country and world. This has spread throughout the world. Such people should read the philosophical books, and stop their activities. They should think of the ultimate value of their wealth, earned in millions, by such methods. We should be an example for others in the world by leading a dignified life, since we are in a country wherein a lot of philosophical literature, stories and books are available. What is the use of telling about the past, when the people lived with good character? Since our ancestors in each generation led a life of good value, those good habits are in existence even now. Only if we follow the good principles of life now, they will continue to exist even after our generation. If we don’t do like that, the bad things would increase while the good things decrease, in the next 50 years. It is easy for a person to get spoiled; going down is easy. But, to protect the good character is difficult. Only by those who do difficult work successfully, the family, village, the city, the country and the world see developments.

                   Hence, let us do good things. Let us protect good characters. Let us participate in the development of the country.                  

December 8.     

343.  The great weakness of pragmatism is that it ends by being of no use to anybody. (Thomas Eliot).

          The fool will not perform (his duties) even when advised nor ascertain them himself; such a soul is a burden (to the earth) till it departs (from the body). (Thirukkurahl – 848).

ஏவவும் செய்கலான் தான்தேறான் அவ்வுயிர் 

போஒம் அளவும்ஓர் நோய். (குறள் - 848). 

          Yaevavum seigalaan; thaan-thaeraan; av-vuyir

          Poa-vomm ahlavum-ore noai. (Thirukkurahl – 848).

                     We should have full involvement in our work. If it is no like that, our effort would not be successful. Involvement means the way we do our work, taking into consideration of how to do the work, in how much time it should be completed, and what are the criteria needed for it. Another type of people would only think of doing the work; but, they would fail to achieve it, since they don’t know the procedure; their stubbornness alone would remain.

                   Therefore, carrying out a work, and discussing about a topic with proper knowledge only would end well. If a work is performed with knowledge, it is possible to bring in further developments by listening to other experts. It is not proper to disregard good suggestions offered at the right time. During arguments/discussions, there is an opportunity to know the nature of the material or principle to a full extent. Good points must be accepted. In some cases, the opinions of the learned persons must be accepted. In some cases, the suggestions of the much experienced persons must be heard. In villages, the suggestions of the experienced farmers must be considered. In research, sometimes good suggestions might emanate from the students. Such students would turn out to be great achievers in the future. It is said that whoever possesses the knowledge and character of elders at the young age, would become wise persons later.

                   Hence, there should be full involvement in action and speech. However, good points must be welcomed. If we think our ideas and decisions are great, such actions would not proceed properly; sometimes, the action itself would be a waste. Let us give way to good suggestions.         

December 9.

344.  Fear cannot be banished, but it can be calm and without panic; and it can be mitigated by reason and evaluation. (Vannevar Bush).

          The wise are those who know beforehand what will happen; those who do not know this are the unwise. (Thirukkurahl – 427).

அறிவுடையார் ஆவது அறிவார் அறிவிலார்

அஃ தஅறி கல்லா தவர். (குறள் - 427). 

          Arivudaiyaar aavadhu arivaar; arivilaar

Agdhari kallaa thavar. (Thirukkurahl – 427).

          In our childhood days, we would do everything without any fear. It is because we do not know which is good, and which is bad. When we are young children, we get fear at the time our thinking goes beyond our capacity. The anxiety about a possible danger results in fear. One should think of a remedy to overcome the anxiety. Such thinking prior to the execution of the work is intelligence.

          Hence, if we fear on something, it should be considered as the first step to plan the action. But, without proper plans if we remain with fear, we would never succeed in life. When an examination is approaching, we should have the fear that if we do not get high marks we would not get good job. Only then one would read properly. In the cricket game, we wear helmet and other pads to protect ourselves, due to the fear of getting hurt by fast bowling. We fix safety gadgets to our house and vehicles, due to the fear of theft. We take precautionary steps to prevent the babies and children due to the fear of getting some diseases, and give them preventive medicines and injections. We should be afraid of the diseases and realize the value of good sanitary conditions. Thus, we have to be cautious and aware of things in all of our efforts. We should not remain quietly without doing anything out of fear. Everyone would have the fear of drowning, if fallen in water. But, it is good to learn swimming, and remove the fear of water.

          Thus, one will get fear by nature. Only due to this, we have invented many safety methods. It would be beneficial to find out the reason for the fear, and act appropriately. Let us conquer fear.           

December 10.

345.  The republic was not established by cowards, and cowards will not preserve it. (Elmer Davis).

          If the fool, who knows not how to act, undertakes a work, he will (certainly) fail, (but) is it all? He will even adorn himself with fetters. (Thirukkurahl – 836).

பொய்படும் ஒன்றோ புனைபூணும் கையறியாப் 

பேதை வினைமேல் கொளின். (குறள் - 836).

          Poip-padum one-droa? Punai-poohnum kai-yariyaa(p)

          Paedhai vinai-maer kohlin. (Thirukkurahl – 836).

                   People could be grouped into coward and courageous persons. The coward people would not do any work properly. They would be like slaves, and always fearing on the threats of bad people. Such people are kept in bondage and used to spread dangerous activities.

                   People should be courageous. They should put forward their good principles and opinions. Violence should not be used for that purpose. If violence increases, the growth is not possible. The required changes in a country should be brought about peacefully, with the cooperation of the people. We should think whether we damage the materials in the house or the house, to achieve what we want in the family. We tolerate the loss of a valuable article, if it is broken in our house; no one would break any object purposefully; if it happens by mistake, we don’t punish our children or the elders. But, if anything happens in a hospital, some persons involve in hurting the doctor and damaging the medical facility. Such misdeeds should not be carried out on the doctor and hospital, which serves and cures thousands of people. The faults, if any, should be corrected in a good way. Those who are wise and knowledgeable would think calmly and involve in their work. Others indulge in violence through instigation by some persons. This should be realized by such people.

                   Therefore, common people should not listen to the instigations by others. The common people should get good education and develop good character, to protect the country’s growth. The strength of knowledge is stronger than the physical strength. Let us realize that education would strengthen our mind power.                  

December 11.

346.  Nothing great will ever be achieved without great men, and men are great only if they are determined to be so. (Charles de Gaulle).

          Let a king ponder well its value, and secure the friendship of men of virtue and of mature knowledge. (Thirukkurahl – 441).

அறன்அறிந்து மூத்த அறிவுடையார் கேண்மை

திறன்அறிந்து தேர்ந்து கொளல். (குறள் - 441).   

          Aran-arindhu moo(th)tha arivudaiyaar kaehnmai

          Thiran-arindhu thaern-dhu kohlal. (Thirukkurahl – 441).

                   We have to analyze about a work in various angles before starting it, if we have to successfully complete it. The work must be completed within the stipulated time, employing qualified persons. In order to think like this, one should have education and social service attitude. Those who don’t have the service attitude would not understand the value of the work.

                             In order to construct a dam, one should plan about the materials required, manpower, and the duration, to execute the work. Common people would not realize the need of the dam, and discard the proposal, citing poor financial condition as the reason. However, great people would consider the long-range benefits of the project to the society, and complete the work. Nobody calculates the money required for bringing up a child and saves the amount, before getting a child. One needs willpower and sufficient practice to win a game. One should not venture in a competition or action with negative thought. Great people would always maintain patience; they would not destroy their energy and fame by getting angry; they would not deviate from the just and righteous pathway; they would not involve in speeches and activities which could degrade them.

                   Hence, only great people would be able to do great things. Common people will waste their time due to wear, and lacking willpower and confidence. Therefore, let us wish for the good work to be carried out by great persons.                  

December 12.

347.  Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in the blood of his followers and the sacrifices of his friends. (Dwight D. Eisenhower).

          Let (a king) procure and kindly care for men who can overcome difficulties when they occur, and guard against them before they happen. (Thirukkurahl – 442).

உற்றநோய் நீக்கி உறாஅமை முற்காக்கும்

பெற்றியார்ப் பேணிக் கொளல். (குறள் - 442). 

         Vurtrra-noai neekki vuraa-amai mur-kaakkum

          Perti-yaar(p) paehni(k) kohlal. (Thirukkurahl – 442).

                   If a country has to be a good one, its people must have good character. In the present situation, it would be difficult to find such a country. The defaulters increase. Small crimes magnify into big ones and result in damages. The number of wrong-doers should decrease. Patience should improve among the people.

                   This was written on the day celebrated as ‘World Tolerance Day’ (November 16). If this tolerance is present in the minds of people, there would no animosity between people in a family, village, town and neighboring states. If there is tolerance, we would ignore small mistakes done by others. If such persons do a work jointly, it would succeed. That success would make everyone happy. Instead of that, if the leader takes the full credit, it is not proper. The efforts and contributions of others should be gracefully and appropriately acknowledged. Even if his contribution is more, a great person would not show self-esteem and be humble. Hence, one should be more humble, if the work was performed with the help of others. If not, when the truth is known at a later date, we would be embarrassed, get angry, and lose the patience leading to bad thoughts; this would further put us in the group of ‘dangerous people’. Just like a small fire induces a big fire, our impoliteness would become the seed for big damages.

                   Therefore, just like small drops make a flood, we should improve our character and increase the goodness. To make an object, it might require many days, months and years; but, it could be destroyed in a second. Let us realize this and live with dignity and humility.       

December 13.

348.  It is not the function of our Government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the Government from falling into error. (Robert H. Jackson).

          The king who gives not facile audience (to those who approach him), and who does not examine and pass judgement (on their complaints), will perish in disgrace. (Thirukkurahl – 548).

எண்பதத்தான் ஓரா முறைசெய்யா மன்னவன் 

தண்பதத்தான் தானே கெடும். (குறள் - 548).

          Yehn-padha(th)thaan oaraa murai-seiyaa man-navan

          Thahn-padh(th)thaan thaanae kedum. (Thirukkurahl – 548).

                   We could say that a family and a government are alike in many aspects. The head of a family and the head of a country may have to do similar duties. A family should be a comfortable one. A country has to be prosperous one. A government’s responsibility is to put the country in the top level of the world. The responsibility of the head of a family is to give good education to the children and help them to progress in life. Thus, there are many common things between the two.

                   There are many good ministers in a government to rule the country. For a family, there should be good friends and relatives. Even under this circumstance, the children take a wrong route and spoil the prestige of the family. The parents should prevent this. It is not simple to prevent the people of a country from doing wrong deeds. There are certain rules and regulations to punish the culprits. A country should have good people. To achieve this, the people should read good books, and adhere to the principles. In the present situation, the people can change the government. It is the duty of the government to provide good governance to the people, and acquire the friendship of other countries. The people should learn the good principles and character by themselves. The public money should not be stashed away, and the prescribed work must be completed properly. People should adhere to the truth, and work with the aim. We never destroy our household things, due to a misunderstanding in the family; but, we destroy the public properties. This should be avoided. The uneducated and ignorant people must be reminded of this.

                   Hence, a family and a government are alike. The grievances in a family are not removed by a fight. The same attitude must be present at the government level also. People should shape a good government. Let us live as dignified people.        

December 14.

349.  Life has no meaning except in terms of responsibility. (Reinhold Niebuhr).

          The Deity will clothe itself and appear before him who resolves on raising his family. (Thirukkurahl – 1023).

குடிசெய்வல் என்னும் ஒருவற்குத் தெய்வம்

மடிதற்றுத் தான்முந் துறும். (குறள் - 1023). 

          Kudi-seival yen-num oruvarkku(th) theivam

          Madi-thartru(th) thaan-mun dhurum. (Thirukkurahl – 1023).

                   Our religious books tell that it is fortunate to be born as a human being, and is further enhanced to live with good conduct. This is due to our sixth sense. This helps us to think and act accordingly, and help others. We have accomplished very much in areas such as industry, science and medicine, and also extend our help to others. We are providing the people in the world the benefits of our inventions. The people are taught good conducts.

                   All the above things are made possible by the educated persons. All others do as they are told. Thus, everyone does some work or other. Whatever work is done, it must be done properly and completed. That responsibility should never be neglected. If the responsibility is forgotten, there would be a delay in completing the work. The ‘delay’ is the seed for corruption. This invokes a desire for money. This desire resides in many people, and the transactions take place in little and big ways. Thus, we are responsible for the country’s bad name, due to our irresponsible attitude in our work. We like to earn more than our capacity, and spend more than our income; this makes us to look for other sources of income, which affects our responsibility in the work. Whatever amount of wealth we acquire, we can enjoy only to an extent. We should not hurt others in order accumulate it. If everyone works with responsibility, nobody would intend to destroy anything. Would we destroy a plant which we planted? Would we destroy the house which we built? Would we break the car or other vehicle, which we bought? Would we hurt our parents, who gave birth to us? In the same way, we should protect our country’s properties and wealth.

                   Hence, let us realize the ‘responsibility’ which is the seed for our prosperous life, and work towards it.                       

December 15.

350.  There is no substitute for talent. Industry and all the virtues are of no avail. (Aldous Huxley).

          Those who possess wisdom, possess everything; those who have not wisdom, whatever they may possess, have nothing. (Thirukkurahl – 430).

அறிவுடையார் எல்லாம் உடையார் அறிவிலார்

என்னுடைய ரேனும் இலர். (குறள் - 430). 

         Arivudaiyaar yellaam vudaiyaar; arivilaar

          Yen-nudaiya raenum yilar. (Thirukkurahl – 430).

                   All of us should have the thinking that we should progress in life, and our country also should develop, and work for it. This thought should be present in everyone’s mind. One should not think that he alone should be benefitted. Such selfish thought would induce wrong actions. If such wrong actions increase, one would tend to hurt and destroy others. Hence, we should live with good thoughts.

                   One should have aspiration and capacity to succeed in life. Talent is also needed. A work can be completed by appointing a talented person. Some industrialists would think of replacing a talented person with an ordinary one, after a few years of service. The effect of such a decision would be known after a few years. A hospital should have a good doctor at all times. When a good doctor leaves that hospital, it would become less popular. Without good teachers, the schools and colleges would not be great. In a car industry, if even one car is bad, it would affect the good name of the industry. In the absence of talented persons, there would be no development in any work. If people work at the same level, like machines, they would lose their strength and wane like machines, resulting in poor performance. Even if we intend to give quality products, it would not be possible; this would reflect in the form of bad name for us, since the world would think that we cheat the public.

                   Therefore, we should develop talent. We should not lose talented persons for any reason. Nothing could replace talent. Let us recognize talent and appreciate it.