May 11.

132. Iron rusts from disuse; stagnant water loses its purity, and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind. (Leonardo da Vinci).

Procrastination, forgetfulness, idleness and sleep, these four things, are the ornaments desired by those whose nature leads them to destruction. (Thirukkurahl – 605).

நெடுநீர் மறவி மடிதுயில் நான்கும் 

கெடுநீரார் காமக் கலன். (குறள் - 605).

Nedu-neer maravi madi-thuyil naanghum

Kedu-neeraar kaama(k) kalan. (Thirukkurahl – 605).

We should always be doing some work or other. That work has to be good. We must first understand which work is good and which one is bad. Most people think that the work which yields more money in a short time is good. Our thought should not be like that. A good work is the one which does not cause any bad effect on anyone at any time. It is a wrong action to beat others and murder someone for receiving money. It is also wrong in indulging in the distribution of health-spoiling dangerous materials, for the sake of earning money.

Everyone must be continuously doing some good work. If there is no work, sluggishness in the body and mind will set in. If the vehicles like bicycle and car are kept unused, their parts will get damaged. The materials made of iron will get rusted and lose their strength. Wood materials will crumble if stored for a long time. If the books are not opened and read, insects will damage them. If we sit quietly without any movement, we may not be able to walk later. The rain water in a tank, being stagnant, will get fungus. If the same rain water flows through a river, it remains pure. The water does not become bad by itself, unless people dump harmful materials into the river. Our life is sustained by continuous breathing and flow of blood. If we stop pedaling, we will fall from a bicycle. If we stop taking good food, we will be affected by disease. Only if we keep on reading good things, we can always remain as wise persons. 

Therefore, we should always think good and do good deeds.         

May 12.

133. Whoever in discussion adduces authority uses not intellect but memory. (Leonardo da Vinci).

Truly great is the excellence of those (kings) who are free from pride, anger, and lust. (Thirukkurahl – 431).

செருக்கும் சினமும் சிறுமையும் இல்லார் 

பெருக்கும் பெருமித நீர்த்து. (குறள் - 431).

Serukkum sinamum sirumaiyum yillaar

Perukkam perumidha neer(th)thu. (Thirukkurahl – 431).

If one wants to be a good person, he should possess good character. One of such requirements is to resist from boasting. The one who boasts will not only think high of him, but also look down on others. Great people will follow the good paths which will improve them; they will never compare them with others. The thought of ‘comparison’ itself is wrong. If a line has to be long, there has to be a shorter line adjacent to it. Hence, if a person always thinks that he is great, he will prevent his neighbor’s growth, with the thought that the latter should never become great. 

Those who boast will always talk whatever they know, to improve their stature. They will not think even a little about the validity of their speech. Those who think before speaking will say meaningfully and steadily. There will be no steadiness in an angry talk. While reciting a memorized portion, we will not know whether we say it correctly or not. There will be only speed but not involvement. 

Therefore, those who are at the top position should not use it for wrongful acts. Such persons at high positions should try being great persons. Everyone should adhere to patience, self-restraint and other good behaviors, which are characteristics of great persons.         

May 13.

134. When neither their property nor their honor is touched, the majority of men live content. (Niccolo Machiavelli).

Those who give up (their) life when (their) honor is at stake are like the yak which kills itself at the loss of (even one of) its hairs. (Thirukkurahl – 969).

மயிர்நீப்பின் வாழாக் கவரிமான் அன்னார் 

உயிர்நீப்பர் மானம் வரின். (குறள் - 969).

Mayir-neeppin vaazhaak kavari-ma(an) annaar

 Vuyir-neeppar maanam varin. (Thirukkurahl – 969).

Patience is considered greater than an ocean. It is also said that ‘filled pot will not shake’. If there is a small amount of water in a pot, it will make sound when we shake it. Likewise, the more the good character is present in a person, the greater will be his patience while doing good things. If there is a small hole at the bottom of a vessel having water, seepage will occur. In the same way, if an incident occurs as to damage the dignity of a person, the good character will wane. They would feel dejection and tilt from their steadiness. 

In general, if a threat comes to one’s property or dignity, nobody will tolerate it. Those who want to punish the culprits will be generally more. The good persons who would pardon such miscreants will be only a few. Some persons would feel sad about the damage. One should find out how the dignity was shattered. Even if it is not his fault, others will accuse him due to circumstances. Based on this situation, some may end their life based on the damage to their dignity. One should think before taking such a decision. Further, people also should not damage the property and dignity of others.    

May 14.

135. Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great. (Niccolo Machiavelli).

Firmness in action is (simply) one’s firmness of mind; all other abilities are not of this nature. (Thirukkurahl – 661).

வினைத்திட்பம் என்பது ஒருவன் மனத்திட்பம் 

மற்றைய எல்லாம் பிற. (குறள் - 661).

Vinaith-thitpam yenbadhu oruvan manath-thitpam;

Martraiya yellaam pirah. (Thirukkurahl – 661).

Whatever work we have to do, we need will power and physical strength. Based on the work, the intensity of the two powers will vary. For the work which requires physical strength, the accomplishment will not be proper if there is no will power. In the absence of will power, they will stare at the work as huge. Such people will find it difficult to succeed. If we take any type of sports, the physic of sports persons will be found in common people. But, those common people have not become sports persons. The reason is that such people never show interest in sports. Their interests in other areas make them successful in their selected fields.

The weight lifters lift huge weights due to their will power. A child resists carrying by someone, if it does not like that person, by exerting all the pressure it could. A dog, a cow or any other animal will not go behind a stranger, and it cannot be dragged either easily. Likewise, it is always good to study the desired subject, and take up a desired work. But, one should not take a decision without knowing the nature of the subject in educational field, and the utility of the work in profession. Hence, one should consult with a knowledgeable person, take a good job and work with enthusiasm; if done like this, the work will not appear to be hard.

Therefore, one should live with good thoughts to enjoy the life.    

  

May 15.

136. God is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs to us. (Niccolo Machiavelli).

Having considered what work a man is equal to, let (the king) employ him in that work. (Thirukkurahl – 518).

வினைக்குஉரிமை நாடிய பின்றை அவனை 

அதற்குஉரியன் ஆகச் செயல். (குறள் - 518).  

Vinaikku-urimai naadiya pindrai avanai

Adharku-uriyan aaga(ch) seyal. (Thirukkurahl – 518).

Normally, we take the responsibility for the work we do. Some people would like to take the good results obtained by other workers. Most of the people would like to obtain good things and take the honor, and work for it in a suitable manner. The pleasure from that work is great. We will not appreciate the success, whatever great it may be, if it is obtained without our effort. Therefore, only labor will yield pleasure and honor. Great persons will offer the honor obtained by them to God. They will thank God for getting such an opportunity.

Great persons will not while away the time without working, by telling that God will do everything. It is by God’s grace that we think of the correct path. We can call it as knowledge. With this, if we add 99 times of hard work, we become great and wise persons. Without the knowledge, if only labor is there, we will be equivalent to the husk of a paddy, without the rice inside. The paddy will be useful to others, and hence valuable, only if there is rice inside. Hence, great persons enlarge their knowledge with hard work, and offer to others. Common people and wise persons will appreciate such great persons.

Therefore, one needs God’s grace as knowledge, and hard work to get an appreciation. One has to think about how to get the knowledge. If we analyze the difficulties that we might encounter while carrying out a project, we will realize that an unknown power helps us to complete the work without any hindrance. That thinking (instinct) gives us the initial knowledge. Then we get the honor based on the hard work. Therefore, we can even think that God gives us knowledge, the attitude to work, and also make us get the honor.      

May 16.

137. The more the marble wastes, the more the statue grows. (Michelangelo).

A king’s work can only be accomplished by a man of wisdom and patient endurance; it is not of a nature to be given to another from mere personal attachment. (Thirukkurahl – 515).

அறிந்துஆற்றிச் செய்கிற்பாற்கு அல்லால் வினைதான் 

சிறந்தானென்று ஏவற்பாற்று அன்று. (குறள் - 515).

Arindh(u)-aartri(ch) seigirppaarkku al-laal vinaidhaan

Sirandhaan-yendru yaevar-ppaartu andru. (Thirukkurahl – 515). 

There is a proverb which means that perfection in art comes by drawing more and more, and the fineness in speech comes by continuous practice. If one wants to become an artist, he should always be drawing. It may be a good practice to draw the same picture several times, and drawing various pictures. Likewise, if we think what and how we talk, we can correct ourselves the mistakes which we make while talking. 

It is not good to talk without substance. For a meaningful speech, we can study well and improve our knowledge. Further, if we associate with great persons, they will tell us good things. We can improve our standard of life according to our education. If we face some difficulties during the studies, we have to eliminate them and continue with our studies to improve our knowledge. Hence, we can improve our capability through education and association with great persons. We have to know how we talk. Those who know the reason for our poor talk will not mistake us. We have to use suitable words. Bad words should never be used. The bad words which are avoided by educated persons should also be avoided by uneducated persons. One should not think that only educated people are good, and uneducated people are mean. Good human nature is to live with good character. Everyone must cultivate such a character. 

Mistakes in words can be set right. Everyone must be aware that no one can use insulting words. If there are tiny bits of stones in the food, we remove them and consume the food. If our dress is torn a little, we rectify it and then wear the same. We treat any injury or illness in our body. In the same way, we have to mend our character also.   

May 17.

138. Youngsters read it, grown men understand it, and old people applaud it. (Miguel de Cervantes).

Firmness in action is (simply) one’s firmness of mind; all other abilities are not of this nature. (Thirukkurahl – 661).

வினைத்திட்பம் என்பது ஒருவன் மனத்திட்பம் 

மற்றைய எல்லாம் பிற. (குறள் - 661). 

Vinaith-thitpam yenbadhu oruvan manath-thitpam;

Martraiya yellaam pirah. (Thirukkurahl – 661).

If one has to discuss a matter, he must know about it in depth. One should get practical experience also to know its kind. Based on the experience, one gets a better knowledge. We all know about a child’s crawling, walking, and running stages, and when it grows well its participation in a running race. Life is also like that. A child first attempt to talk; then it talks, studies well to get a degree and becomes a great scholar over a period of time. In the same way, one will understand the common things while studying at young age. To understand difficult things, one may require many years. Due to difficulty in understanding in the initial stages, if someone stops the studies he would feel sorry at later years. By looking at a tree, one will say for how long the tree will be useful as firewood. Another may look at its value as a building material. Another may view its utility for making sculptures. Hence, as the knowledge grows, one will be able to assess the value of other things.

Therefore, one should study well at young age. Due to that, over a period of time, we can understand well the materials and people surrounding us. Aged people, who cannot work due to their old age, will appreciate others’ good work. Therefore, first one should learn something good, and do it; then one should appreciate others who do the good things properly.  

May 18.

139. Tell me thy company and I will tell thee what thou art. (Miguel de Cervantes).

Though friends may praise one another saying, “he is so intimate with us, and we so much,” still such friendship will appear mean. (Thirukkurahl – 790).

இனையர் இவர்எமக்கு இன்னம்யாம் என்று

புனையினும் புல்லென்னும் நட்பு. (குறள் - 790). 

Yinaiyar yivar-yemakku yinnam-yaam yendru

Punaiyinum pul-yennum natpu. (Thirukkurahl – 790).

It is a great opportunity that we all have friends. Friends will be there during studies, working age and at old age. It will be great if such friendship persists for a long time. Friendship means understanding each other and extending the required help to the other. If people gather to while away the time, it is not good friendship. Even if they work at different places, it is always good for good friends to meet whenever it is possible and talk about good things. If any one among the friends gets involved in dangerous activities, he should be corrected. Instead of attempting to correct such a person, if they spend time for fun, it is not good friendship.

To live with the money obtainable by hurting others is an ignominious life. By this kind of life, one may get external pleasure but not internal satisfaction of the mind. The children will feel ashamed to say that their parents are burglars, and they murder others for earning money. If grown-up children say that they don’t know what jobs their parents do, it means that such parents’ jobs are not good. Therefore, the children, family members, and friends should control the concerned people from following a dangerous route. Among friends, if one talks as to praise the other, it is not true friendship; it is probably done with some expectation.

Therefore, if friends have good character, the individual will definitely be a good person.   

May 19.

140. If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world, and that his heart is no island cut off from other lands, but a continent that joins to them. (Francis Bacon).

(The king’s) choice should fix him, who is of good family, who is free from faults, and who has the modesty which fears the wounds (of sin). (Thirukkurahl – 502).

குடிப்பிறந்து குற்றத்தின் நீங்கி வடுப்பரியும்

நாணுடையான் கட்டே தெளிவு. (குறள் - 502).

Kudi(p)-pirandhu kurtraththin neenghi vaduppariyum

Naahn-udaiyaan kattae thehlivu. (Thirukkurahl – 502). 

There is a proverb which means that ‘all are our place, and all are our relatives’. The essence is that we should consider all the places as our place; we have to think that all the people are our relatives. A poet told those words to a king, about several centuries ago. Those words are more relevant in the present days. In the earlier days, people could live comfortably with modest requirements within the limits of a kingdom. Now, the situation has changed. Movement of people from one state to another has become a necessity. The developments in education and business areas are the main reasons. Further, the requirements of people have changed and increased. Vehicular facilities, train and air-flight travels, advancement in television and other areas have all contributed very much for the changes. In business, the various states’ requirements and interdependency have also increased.

Hence, if a country has to become a developed one, all the states have to remember the need for interdependency. Now all the countries in the world have to follow the interdependency attitude. No work should be done with selfish motive. Since it is said that one should entertain guests with food, we should not say that all comforts are to be enjoyed only us. When people are hungry outside, we should think that it is not correct on our part to enjoy a feast. 

We have to adhere to such good habits. Help should be rendered in the form of water for thirst, food for hunger, cloth for dignity and so on. These characters make us the people of one nation and one world. 

May 20.

141. Though it be honest, it is never good to bring bad news. (Shakespeare).

Not to permit (the mind) to go where it lists, to keep it from evil, and to employ it in good, this is wisdom. (Thirukkurahl - 422).

சென்ற இடத்தால் செலவிடா தீதுஒரீஇ 

நன்றின்பால் உய்ப்பது அறிவு. (குறள் - 422). 

Sendra yidaththaal selavidaa theedhoree-e

Nandrinpaal vuipppadhu arivu. (Thirukkurahl - 422).

Everyone will agree that our thought will always be wishing good things to happen for us. Likewise, if everyone thinks that good things should happen for all others too, the troubles and difficulties existing in the world will vanish. If that thought arises, people will stop hurting others. Further, the number of people who indulge in causing trouble to others, and who hurt others for the sake of earning money will come down. 

Our thoughts should always be good. We should always talk good things; we should not use bad words. There is a belief that an unknown power above us will always allow it to happen whatever we often say. Belief on this depends on each individual. But, we all know that whatever seed we sow, only the respective plant will grow from it. We will remember only the material which we read about. If we study science, we can become scientist. If we study medicine, we can become a doctor. The child who hears good words will say only good words. The child who hears insipient words will repeat the same. The bad words will always penetrate easily into our mind. Others abusing words on us will remain in our mind, and will make us retaliate with bad actions. Hence, one dangerous act grows from another. 

Therefore, one should avoid bad words and actions. Though some bad news may be true, the listener will not feel happy. Hence, when a news is conveyed, one should tell it without hurting others feelings. If everyone acts with good thoughts, one can avoid bad incidences. Hence, let us think only good things.