May 30

151. Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well. (Earl of Chesterfield).

He will perish who does what it is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does no do what it is fit to do. (Thirukkurahl - 466).

Seithakka alla seyak-kedum; seithakka

Seyyaamai yaanum kedum. (Thirukkurahl - 466).

செய்தக்க அல்ல செயக்கெடும் செய்தக்க 

செய்யாமை யானும் கெடும். (திருக்குறள் - 466).  

For the development of a country, many proposals are drawn. Next, one determines the priorities of the proposals for execution. If some unexpected troubles are encountered, it is good to rectify them and complete the project within the stipulated time. Schools and colleges are built for the education of the students. If the education has to be good, one should provide the necessary books and the materials for the practical experiments at the right time. Teachers also must be available in sufficient numbers. If there is less number of teachers, the standard of education will diminish. 

When we do the tree planting program, we should also make arrangements for watering it regularly. Those who are nearby should take the responsibility to maintain it. If the garbage is not to be dumped on road, it should be strictly followed by all people, whether they are young, old, uneducated, educated, poor or rich persons. The thought committing a mistake if no one watches, should not occur at any time. One way is to refrain from erring due to the fear of punishment. One should avoid bad things on one’s own consciousness. There is a story: A king told all the people to bring pot-full milk and pour it in a big vessel. Every individual thought that it would go unnoticed, if he brought water instead of milk, and did like that. At the end, there was only water in the big vessel, to the embarrassment of everyone. 

Hence, everyone should always do the work in a proper way.      

May 31.  

152. Wear your learning like your watch, in a private pocket, and do not pull it out and strike it, merely to show that you have one. (Earl of Chesterfield).

What is called want of wisdom is the vanity which says, “we are wise”. (Thirukkurahl - 844).

Vehnmai yenappaduvadhu yaadhenin vohnmai

Vudaiyam-yaam yennum serukku. (Thirukkurahl - 844).

வெண்மை எனப்படுவது யாதெனின் ஒண்மை 

உடையம்யாம் என்னும் செருக்கு. (திருக்குறள் - 844).

Everyone should think of leading a good life. To accomplish it, one should follow a good pathway. For this aim, one should study well. One must get into a good job and earn a good name. One has to lead a comfortable life. In this situation, some persons will feel proud and boast themselves. They will talk high of their education. They will talk highly about their possessions with proud. This is not a good practice.

When someone is in a distress condition, nobody should think of sharing his joyous information. Further, when people are in happy mood, one must think before telling sad news. If a person is suffering for want of food, it is not proper for the other to discuss about a feast. All of us keep costly materials and cash in a safe place. In the same way, our speech is also precious. It should be protected. One should speak to the required extent suitable to the place. We wear dress according to our body size. As we have different dress for home and for office, we have to behave properly suitable to the place. We all know that we don’t teach fourth grade students at the tenth grade level, even though we are capable of it. Scholars can exhibit their knowledge in a learned circle; but, one should know that it is not good to tell it at the street corner among common people. However, it is good for the non-scholars to refrain from a discussion about anything at any place. 

Therefore, whether it is wealth or speech, it is important to safeguard it.        

June 1.

153. Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh. (Earl of Chesterfield).

To say (how an act is to be performed) is indeed easy for any one; but far difficult it is to do according to what has been said. (Thirukkurahl - 664).

Solludhal yaarkkum yehliya; ariyavaam

Solliya vahnnam seyal. (Thirukkurahl - 664).

சொல்லுதல் யார்க்கும் எளிய; அரியவாம் 

சொல்லிய வண்ணம் செயல். (திருக்குறள் - 664). 

To prosper in lie, one has to improve his knowledge. It may be in the area of education, business or others. Whatever area it may be, we have to be great. The greatness does not mean being rich. Money is needed. But, it has to be earned by good means and without deceiving others. Non-returning of a loan is one way of deceiving. Everyone knows this. In business, selling the commodities with higher profit margin beyond a limit can also be called ‘deceiving’. Breaking the traffic rules when police is not there is also deceiving. Telling a false statement by receiving money is also deceiving. Those who do dangerous things to us, without our awareness, are also deceivers. 

Therefore, let us say that nobody should cheat. But, we deceive others in several ways. We will say that everyone should keep things clean. But, we will not adhere to that. We will say that the streets must be kept clean. However, we don’t work for it. We throw the garbage outside. Like this, we will have many good ideas in our mind. These ideas must be put into action for others to know. If we don’t do like that, there is no meaning of what we have in our mind. Thinking in the mind and non-thinking are both same. If we consider ourselves as wise persons, others should recognize it and tell.

Therefore, others should know our character. If gold is in a block, we cannot wear it as ornaments. If we make it as jewelry, it will be useful for us to wear it. Hence, it is always good to think well and perform the same for the benefit of everyone.       

June 2.

154. That action is best which procures the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers. (Francis Hutcheson).

The firmness in action of those who have become great by the excellence of their counsel will, by attaining its fulfillment in the person of the king, be esteemed (by all). (Thirukkurahl - 665).

Veeraidhi maahndaar vinaith-thitpam vaendhan-kahn

Vooraidhi vuhllap padum. (Thirukkurahl - 665).

வீறுஎய்தி மாண்டார் வினைத்திட்பம் வேந்தன்கண் 

ஊறுஎய்தி உள்ளப் படும். (திருக்குறள் - 665).  

 If a nation is to be considered as a developed one, all the people should be happy. Happiness does not arise just by recreation alone. Recreation will give happiness only to some people and at sometime. Hence, such development is not a real growth for a nation. It is not enough if some people alone enjoy the comforts and all facilities, in a few towns in a nation. All the people need vital facilities like house, food, cloth, education, employment and good health. More important is that all the people should live with good character. It is wrong to steal or deceive others to lead a life with all comforts and facilities. 

In a country where there are a lot of poor people, the poverty must be eradicated. This thought must be imbedded in all our plan proposals. They should be given suitable jobs to make them earn to obtain the required things. Only if they buy things through their earnings, they will feel happy and protect such materials. The remuneration and help should be proportionate to their work. Such help should be offered by government’s plans, social organizations and philanthropists to improve them. Each affluent person should visit their (or a) village to help them get jobs by suitable plans. Farming-related machines must be provided to them. One should not think that such mechanization will reduce their labor opportunities. Those who want to study further must be encouraged. We cannot say that a small farmer has improved his living condition, so far. If someone has got good education, his family alone would have improved.

Therefore, education is a route for development. If one cannot study well, he should have facility to do the farming in a good way. A change is needed in villages where the farming is carried out for thousands of years.              

June 3.

155. Love truth, but pardon error. (Voltaire).

The great hide faults of others; the base only divulge them. (Thirukkurahl - 980).

Artram maraikkum perumai; sirumaidhaan

Kurtramae koori vidum. (Thirukkurahl - 980).

அற்றம் மறைக்கும் பெருமை; சிறுமைதான் 

குற்றமே கூறி விடும். (திருக்குறள் -980).

If everyone in a place acts truly to their consciousness, there will be no trouble to anyone. But, only a few persons behave like that. Everyone would definitely think that their family should be in a good condition. There will be many people who work appropriately with that goal. But, some people will spoil others’ efforts to benefit their own life. They will not bother about others’ misery due to that. One should live without hurting the truth and those who are honest. There is a story which was narrated by the great Ramakrishna Paramahamsar. A milk vendor, who always mixed equal amount of water to the milk, was returning home after selling the milk. On the way, he had to cross a river by a boat. In the same boat, another person also travelled along with his monkey. The monkey snatched the milk vendor’s cash bag; it picked the coins one by one and started throwing one in the river and another to the vendor, until the bag was empty. Nobody could stop the monkey from doing it, for the fear of toppling the boat. The milk vendor realized that he got the money for the pure milk, while the other half went into water for the water which he mixed with the milk. 

One should find out whether a wrong deed was done intentionally or unintentionally.  When we walk, if our foot touches any other person unaware of, we express an apology; others tolerate it too. But, if they are hit purposely, there will be a quarrel. While travelling in a bus, if a person sitting in front of us spits outside, we scold him. However, if the same thing happens from a small baby, we will tolerate it. While walking in a rainy season, a splash of water and mud on us may occur by a passing vehicle. We get angry and curse the driver. A driver should be aware of such splashing while driving and try to avoid it by going slowly at that place. 

Therefore, everyone should be honest and should not commit any mistake. If others are tolerant, it does not mean that people can hurt them.       

June 4.

156. The first step is the hardest. (Marquise du Deffand).

Yield not to feebleness which says, “This is too difficult to be done.” Labor will give the greatness (of mind) which is necessary (to do it). (Thirukkurahl - 611).

Arumai vudai(th)thendru asaavaamai vaehndum;

Perumai muyar(ch)chi tharum. (Thirukkurahl - 611).

அருமை உடைத்தென்று அசாவாமை வேண்டும் 

பெருமை முயற்சி தரும். (திருக்குறள் - 611).

There are several routes for a person to lead a successful life. Whatever it may be, one should learn at the young age. There may be some difficulties in some families to send their children to school. The parents should overcome that and send the children to school. The students must also study well. If they don’t understand something during the studies, the students should approach the teachers and others to clear the doubts. When a child starts walking, it will often fall down. However, the child does not stop the attempts to walk. 

A machine requires higher energy at the time of start. Though it is hard at the start, a boat requires less energy when cruising in water. In the same way, it will appear difficult in the beginning to keep a place clean. It will be difficult even to inculcate such thinking in the minds of the people. If the students are exposed to such thinking during their school days, they will certainly adhere to cleanliness when they grow as adults. First, one should practice to keep the school clean. They should not litter within the school area. The class rooms should be kept neat, without scribbling on the walls. Once a month, they should clean the streets of the respective village. Unwanted plants and the thorny plants must be removed. In a national service scheme, the college students go to a village every year and clean that place. That thought should be present in schools also. In foreign countries, the parents teach their children, even at the age of two, to throw the waste materials in a dust bin, which is kept in the house. Due to this practice, the children grow with the good habit of cleanliness. 

Therefore, it is good if the children are taught about the good habits. No work is difficult and impossible.   

June 5.

157. Avarice and happiness never saw each other, how then should they become acquainted. (Benjamin Franklin).

There is no sorrow to those who are without desire; but, where that is, sorrow will incessantly come, more and more. (Thirukkurahl - 368).

Avaa-yillaarkku yillaaghum thunbham; ahgd(u)-uhndael

Thavaa-adhu maen-mael varum. (Thirukkurahl - 368).

அவாயில்லார்க்கு இல்லாகும் துன்பம் ; அஃதுண்டேல் 

தவாஅது மேன்மேல் வரும். (திருக்குறள் - 368). 

Everyone should think at all times that all the people should be able to lead a good life. This also is a wish. But, by this everyone will be happy. This wish can also be considered as a goal. If a wish is supposed to give happiness to all the people, it can be rightly considered as a goal. If some wish is to bring benefit only to one person (self), it can be termed avarice. This avarice will induce one to give trouble to others. There will be no good friends to such people. If there are no good friends, people will become addicted to bad habits. Since bad habits spoil the health and mind, one cannot get happiness in life. 

Everyone must have contentment. When a person has sufficient income and comforts, it is not good to long for other things. Some people may invest in some areas with the thought of getting huge profits. That thought is not correct. In general, people in developed countries have aim; but, they are not fond of materials. They will buy a house for their own use. Only those who are slaves of desires will buy vacant lands with the idea of selling it for huge price at a later date. To invest in such lines, people may indulge in wrong activities to earn more. This, in turn, affects the basic needs of others. The habit of purchasing vacant lands with the idea of selling it at huge price at a later time is dangerous. One should avoid such a desire. People should reduce the desires and think to live with a good goal.

Therefore, if someone has more money, he should think of starting industries to give job opportunities to many people. The life of people should improve according to the capability of them. If opportunities are created for others to live happily, our happiness will also increase.      

June 6.

158. Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. (Benjamin Franklin).

A crow will overcome an owl in the day time; the king who would conquer his enemy must have (a suitable) time. (Thirukkurahl - 481).

Paghal-vellum koogaiyai(k) kaakkai; yigal-vellum

Vaendharkku vaehndum pozhudhu. (Thirukkurahl - 481).

பகல்வெல்லும் கூகையைக் காக்கை; இகல்வெல்லும் 

வேந்தர்க்கு வேண்டும் பொழுது. (திருக்குறள் - 481).  

Whatever work we do, it should be done properly. The work should be started at the right time and completed at the stipulated time. The time should not be wasted whether it is learning in schools and colleges, working in a place, making proposals for development, or in the execution of any project.

There are several things that a developing nation has to do. Economical growth is very important. It is not enough if some people lead a good life. Contented mind will ensure peace. This is needed for the people. But, the planners should not have the contentment. They should have the necessary plans for the people in their thoughts and actions. Only if villages are developed, a nation can be considered as a developed one. That thought should be there in the minds of all the leaders at all times. If we sow seeds at the proper season, it will grow well and yield the products. In the same way, it will be good if machineries are provided to the villages, through a village committee, depending upon the area and nature of cultivation. The village people will not be able to buy such machines even after fifty years from now. If such programs are started now, it will take about ten years to get the benefit. Since schools were started in villages earlier, we now see educational development in the nation. Likewise, if we think of the village agricultural development and implement it now, we can see a good progress in ten years. To construct bridges, it requires one or two years. To build dams, it takes many years. To construct power plants for the generation of electricity, it takes more than ten years.

Therefore, more machinery must be provided to increase the agricultural activities and to reduce the plight of the farmers. Old thoughts have to be changed.        

June 7.

159. Don’t throw stones at your neighbors’, if your own windows are glass. (Benjamin Franklin).

What fault will remain in the king, who has put away his own evils, and looks after the evils of others? (Thirukkurahl - 436).

Than-kurtram neekki(p) pirar-kurtram kaahnkir(p)pin

Yen-kurtam aaghum yiraikku? (Thirukkurahl - 436).

தன்குற்றம் நீக்கிப் பிறர்குற்றம் காண்கிற்பின் 

என்குற்றம் ஆகும் இறைக்கு? (திருக்குறள் -436).

All of us have the desire to be happy. But, we don’t think that others’ also would have similar desire. It is fine if one does something for his happiness. But, in doing such things, one should not harm others. We will always think that whatever we say or do will be correct. Some people will have the habit of finding fault with others. Some persons are not aware of their own mistakes, just like that of others’.

Some people, while driving a cycle, car, bus and other heavy vehicles, will curse those who cross them or other erring drivers. But, the same drivers will not think about the mistakes they do. The rule says that one should not overtake a vehicle on the left side (in Indian system). Making a right turn from the left lane is wrong; similarly, turning to the left from the right lane is also wrong. While driving, it is wrong to immediately stop the vehicle in the middle of the road, if we see a known person on the side; those who follow will not anticipate such sudden stoppage, which will result in accidents. Daily, this is a common occurrence. When vehicles are moving, crossing the road is wrong. We get annoyed when others do that; but, when we walk we do the same mistake. The pedestrians, cyclists and motorbike riders do the mistake of going side by side on the roads. Such people delay other vehicular movements and waste others’ time; sometimes, accidents occur due to this. The accidents cause troubles to pedestrians and others. When others do such mistakes, we condemn it. But, we should not do such mistakes either.

If everyone is aware of the mistakes and avoid doing the mistakes, we and our country can become perfect. If people learn the good habits at young age, they will resist doing mistakes when they grow as adults.                    

June 8.

160. When the well is dry, we know the worth of water. (Benjamin Franklin).

The prosperity of him who lives without knowing the measure (of his property), will vanish away and perish, even while it seems to continue. (Thirukkurahl - 479).

Ahlavarindhu vaazhaadhaan vaazhkkai vuhla-poala

Yillaaghi(th) toandraak kedum. (Thirukkurahl - 479).

அளவுஅறிந்து வாழாதான் வாழ்க்கை உளபோல 

இல்லாகித் தோன்றாக் கெடும். (திருக்குறள் - 479).   

All of us wish to live with many comforts. When we live like that, we never think about anything. We don’t look at others’ plight. If a country is to be prosperous, the miseries of all the people have to be eliminated. It does not mean that they should be provided with everything. Such people have to be helped to improve their capability so as to earn the necessary amount for their normal living. 

It has become our habit to find fault with the food we eat. We will know its value if we don’t get the food for a day. Many of us waste our time. We never realize it. We have to study well daily. If it is not done, the marks get low at the examination. If one gets low marks, it will not be possible to go to higher studies. Without good education, it will be difficult to lead a happy life. Due to education, one can acquire good character and will be able to follow good discipline. While riding a bike, it is wrong to disobey the traffic rules and penetrate through the gaps between two vehicles. One should not go closely, particularly behind a heavy vehicle. If for some reason the heavy vehicle makes a sudden halt, the one behind it may not be able to stop suddenly. This leads to accidents causing huge damage. Such accidents have become a common scene. Based on this, the traffic rules insist on sufficient space between vehicles. Some persons may not care for material damage. However, if the damage is for the person, everyone will realize it and feel sorry. In developed nations, everyone follows the traffic rules. We realize the value of the traffic rules, only when we are hurt due to our negligence. Our life will be good if we respect the education and the traffic rules. 

Hence, good education, and rules and regulations will offer us good things.      

June 9.

161. The cat in gloves catches no mice. (Benjamin Franklin).

One way to promote the prosperity of an enemy, is (for a king) to set out (to war) without having thoroughly weighed his ability (to cope up with its chances). (Thirukkurahl - 465).

Vagai-ara(ch) soozhaadhu yezhudhal pagaivarai(p)

Paa(th)thip paduppadhoar aaru. (Thirukkurahl – 465).

வகையறச் சூழாது எழுதல் பகைவரைப் 

பாத்திப் படுப்பதுஓர் ஆறு. (திருக்குறள் - 465). 

All of us live within a circle. The circle comprises our friends and relatives. If such friends and relatives are good persons, it will be good. Instead of that, if they are involved in dangerous activities, it will be difficult for us to be good persons. That is the reason in saying that we should always associate with good friends. 

In a story, two seeds were talking with each other. One seed was inside a glass bottle in a house, without exposure to sunlight and water. This seed laughed at the other seed which was stuck with mud outside the house. After sometime the seed which was outside sprouted and grew into a tree to yield good fruits. On the other hand, the seed inside the bottle got disintegrated and lost its sprouting capability. Likewise, if the children do not go to school and remain in the house, they will not get proper knowledge as per their age; they will become useless persons. During studies, they have to go to the libraries in schools and colleges and read necessary books. By this, the knowledge will improve. It will enhance what is learned from teachers. Those who want to learn driving bikes, cars and heavy vehicles must go out to practice it; it will be of no use if they remain in the house. To learn swimming, one should get into water. Without learning swimming if one jumps into water without any precaution, it will be dangerous to the life itself. In the same way, if one drives a vehicle, without proper training and neglecting the traffic rules, accidents will occur. Life is also like that. 

Therefore, one should read good books and learn good things from wise persons. This will ensure good life.     

June 10.

162. Genius is nothing but a greater aptitude for patience. (Georges de Buffon).

Those who are said to be the shore of the sea of perfection will never change, though ages may change. (Thirukkurahl - 989).

Voozhi peyarinum thaam-peyaraar saandraahnmaikku

Aazhi yenappadu vaar. (Thirukkurahl - 989).

ஊழி பெயரினும் தாம்பெயரார், சான்றாண்மைக்கு 

ஆழி எனப்படு வார். (திருக்குறள் - 989). 

Many persons will expect to get profit whatever business they do. Some will aspire for huge profits in their business. Some others will expect to become famous persons. There are also some people who incur a loss in their business. First let us analyze those who have not succeeded. There are several reasons for the loss in a business. If they don’t sell good products, buyers will avoid that shop. Sometimes, there will be no honest employees, but only dishonest persons. Under such circumstances, the businessman should spend longer hours in the shop and monitor the transactions. 

Likewise, at the time of studies the students should be watchful about the distracters, which are eyes, ears, mind, body, and mouth, and keep them under control. They should not indulge in dangerous activities. The mind should think about various things. The eyes should not always see other things. The ears should not hear the bad and useless words uttered by others. The mouth should not involve in loose talk and eating more than necessary food. The body’s strength should not be utilized in dangerous activities. If we watch and control our senses and mind, we can achieve our aim. 

In factories, work is carried out for several hours per day. There are some organizations which work all the twenty four hours each day. Such industries get good profits and fame. If the workers do not perform well, only loss will result. If the workers do not work properly, it is not good for their profession and for the industry. This thought should be present in the minds of the people at all times. Just like the need to control the five senses, people should take care of the maintenance and proper growth of the senses. Without the five senses, there will be no existence. The five senses cannot exist without us. Hence, one has to be dependent on the other. Even if one of the five senses is not proper, our happiness will decline. In industries, even if one worker or one machine is improper, the output will become less.

Hence, it is good to do everything with patience and full involvement. Only then we will be considered as wise persons.             

June 11.

163. He is no wise man that will quit a certainty for an uncertainty. (Samuel Johnson).

Wise men will not, for the sake of profit, undertake works that will consume their principal. (Thirukkurahl - 463).

Aakkam karudhi mudhal-yizhakkum seivinai

Vookkaar arivudai yaar. (Thirukkurahl - 463).

ஆக்கம் கருதி முதல்இழக்கும் செய்வினை 

ஊக்கார் அறிவுடை யார். (திருக்குறள் -463). 

Life and happiness should be associated with one another. Nobody will think of leading a miserable life. Everyone will think that he and his children should live happily. But many people never think that for their happiness, it is not proper to hurt or spoil others. Those who live without doing any harm to others will be respected. 

One should live in a proper way for a long standing happiness in life. We do certain things for the sake trivial pleasures. The dangers arising out of it will be more. First we get into the habits like drinking of tea and coffee. Thought it is started with the idea of inducement of freshness, later it spoils our health by excessive consumption. Everyone thinks that it gives pleasure while attempting to take alcoholic drinks. But, in the course of time, due to the increase of its quantity and strength, the pleasure diminishes while the health gets damaged. Our people do not know the limit in anything. Even educated persons get involved and addicted to this dangerous habit, due to the instigation and competition among friends. The body gets affected at the old age, due to the mistake committed at young age. We never realize this, even though we see such things through cinema, drama and newspapers. This ‘drinking’ habit is common among poor and less-educated people. They consume it without any limit. In developed countries, those who become poor and spoil their health due to drinks are not many. They understand whatever they do. We overstep the limits in these activities. In developed countries, only a few persons exceed the limit to get intoxicated as to lie on the road side. Here it may be more by many thousand times. What is the use if one starts to ‘drinks’ for simple pleasure but ends up in destroying his own life? The use of ‘drugs’ will lead to more dangerous miseries.

Wise persons will avoid self-destructing dangerous habits. Some educated persons indulge in dangerous habits, even though they are aware of it. The uneducated and less-educated people carry out the mistakes in a larger scale, which are done by educated persons. Therefore, let us control our mind and avoid dangerous paths, to live as wise persons.   

June 12.

164. The strongest is never strong enough to be always the master, unless he transforms his strength into right, and obedience into duty. (Jean Rousseau).  

An act that has been firmly resolved on must be as firmly carried out without delay. (Thirukkurahl - 668).

Kalanghaadhu kahnda vinaikkahn thuhlanghaadhu

Thookkam kadindhu seyal. (Thirukkurahl - 668).

கலங்காது கண்ட வினைக்கண் துளங்காது 

தூக்கம் கடிந்து செயல். (திருக்குறள் - 668).

Everyone will think that his action is correct. Instead of that, only a few will consider that his word or action may also be faulty. The more the development of knowledge and science, the importance of our words will change. The earlier model aircrafts flew in a low speed. Other vehicles were also like that. Due to research, the speed and capacity have increased.

Everyone knows that a child’s energy will be less than that of the parent. We also know that, after thirty years the child grows well as to be stronger than the parent, while the parent’s strength decreases. These changes are natural in the world. In the same way, when a person initially takes up a job, he learns everything from his boss or supervisor. After some years, the senior person would retire and leave the place; the once younger and new person would occupy a senior position. The students and teachers should realize this. This is not to be debated in a misconstrued meaning. Realization of the truth is the strength. Instead of utilizing the official power, one should think of the correct procedure and act. It is not good if the employees work with fear of discipline. One should realize his duty and work. If the officers and the workers realize this in their work, there will be no trouble at any place. The schools, colleges, offices, industries and other places will have no troubles. If there is any misunderstanding, a solution must be found without damage to any regular activity, property, or person. If the students quarrel and tear the books, the loss is for the parents. If the workers in an industry destroy the materials, it is loss to the country. 

Teachers, industrialists, and other leaders should explain this to the students and others. Others should also listen to them and follow accordingly. One should not indulge in riot, based on their strength. Hence, one should realize that the strength will decline over a period of time.    

June 13.

165. People who know little are usually great talkers, while men who know much say little. (Jean Rousseau).

The words without profit or pleasure which a man speaks with many persons will have not union with virtue and will remove him from goodness. (Thirukkurahl – 194).

Nayan-saaraa nanmayin neekkum payan-saaraa(p)

Pahnbil-sol pallaar aga(th)thu. (Thirukkurahl – 194).

நயன்சாரா நன்மையின் நீக்கும் பயன்சாராப் 

பண்பில்சொல் பல்லார் அகத்து. (திருக்குறள் 194).

We daily meet many people in our life. However, we invariably do not give attention to their nature. In fact, we see everything. If all the things which we look at should be remembered, our mind should be calm. If we want to maintain calmness, we should not get angry. When we talk aloud, we cannot hear others’ words. Ear, nose and throat are interconnected. Hence, when the voice comes out of the throat in a high pitch, the hearing capacity of the ears gets reduced. Therefore, those who talk too much lose their chance of listening to others’ opinions. It is always good to observe others’ actions. 

We have to be watchful when we go outside. Young children may talk more. We may observe that well educated persons and those who occupy high offices will talk precisely. The leaders will also talk less. Those who learn cycling cannot go straight. The learners of car driving will find it difficult to drive within the lane. After acquiring full efficiency, one can be free from the above hardships, and do well. When a vessel is full, it will not make noise on tapping; but, an empty vessel will make a lot of noise. Everyone should think of acquiring the things which they sea, in a proper manner. The unseen matter of knowledge should also be acquired in a good way.

We hesitate to offer our visible possessions to others. Likewise, the educated should also be careful in their speech. The wise will not say whatever they can think of; they will speak only to the extent necessary for others. If all of us do like that, the troubles will decrease and dignity for us and the country will increase.         

June 14.

166. What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness. (Jean Rousseau).

They say that the facility of heaven and the happiness (of earth) are the fruit of virtue and love (in the conjugal state). (Thirukkurahl – 75).

Anburtru amarndha vazhakkenba; vaiyaga(th)thu

Yinburtraar yeidhum sirappu. (Thirukkurahl – 75).

அன்புற்று அமர்ந்த வழக்கென்ப வையகத்து 

இன்புற்றார் எய்தும் சிறப்பு. (திருக்குறல் -75).

There are several qualities that each of us should adhere to. It is not proper to list them in an order. Everyone should be knowledgeable. Such people will be able to show their qualities at different levels and in various areas. We should be capable of understanding it. Those who do not have such capability will not be able to recognize the good and bad things. Hence, all the people should aim to acquire such capability. If we control our five senses, especially our mouth while speaking, our knowledge will improve. If we develop our knowledge, we will be able to understand others’ good deeds and good qualities. 

In general, people would like those who offer help and speak kindly. If these two qualities are present in a person, it will be great. Those who help others could be called knowledgeable persons. The reason is that knowledgeable persons will think what is necessary for one’s development and extend such help. The word ‘help’ does not mean that one should be given money for his needs. It is also a good help if a seat is offered to an aged person while travelling in a bus or train. About 40-50 years ago, such an offering of a seat to aged person or pregnant woman, was prevailing. Only a few do like this now. Everyone should extend such help. 

When a help is rendered, it should be done with pleasure. If pleasure is there, kindness will evolve. If knowledge and kindness combine, the person becomes a great one. If education is also acquired, people can become wise persons. We hear the words ‘love is god’ through our ears; we see those words through our eyes; we read those words through our mouth. But, we have to realize that in our heart and act accordingly.  

June 15.

167. Remorse sleeps during a prosperous period but wakes up in adversity. (Jean Rousseau).

However great be the enmity men have incurred, they may live. The enmity of sin will incessantly pursue and kill. (Thirukkurahl – 207).

Yenai(p)-pagai vurtraarum vuyvar; vinai(p)-pagai

Veeyaadhu pin-sendr(u) adum. (Thirukkurahl – 207).

எனைப்பகை உற்றாரும் உய்வர்; வினைப்பகை 

வீயாது பின்சென்று ஆடும். (திருக்குறள் - 207). 

We all think of leading a good life. Many persons achieve this aim. Some may face difficulty in leading a good life, due to their inability to get a good employment. Such people may think of taking up wrong routes to earn money. If they think well at that time, they will refrain from entering the bad route. It is said that even if his mother suffers from hunger, he should not take to burglary. The same thought should be present before doing any bad activity. Let us hope that there might not have been the present day bad things, about two thousand years ago, at the time the Thirukkurahl was supposed to have been written. Those who indulge in bad activities should think of their families. When their children go to school, they will be addressed as the children of a thief or a thug. Those who commit crimes should think that they should not create such a shameful situation to their children. Only a couple of bad deeds are mentioned here. All other crimes should also be remembered likewise. 

Some people may earn enough money to lead their life, by doing the bad activities. A few may even lead a life with all comforts. They should think of the families to whom they have caused damage, to lead their life. Leading such a happy life is not good. When living happily, they will not repent on their bad actions. However, when they go through a difficult situation, they will think about each one of their crimes and feel miserable. If this thinking persists, they will not continue to do the crimes. They will not induce others to do crimes.

One should lead a life without hurting others. The pleasure obtainable through proper help to others lasts long.    

June 16.

168. For every ten jokes, thou hast got an hundred enemies. (Laurence Sterne).

He who, to the disgust of many, speaks useless things will be despised by all. (Thirukkurahl – 191).

Pallar munia(p) payanila solluvaan

Yellaarum yehlla(p) padum. (Thirukkurahl – 191).

பல்லார் முனியப் பயனில சொல்லுவான் 

எல்லாரும் எள்ளப் படும். (திருக்குறள் - 191).

If one wants to live, it should be a pleasant one. The pleasure arises from the mind. Some activities will give short-time happiness. The happiness varies according to one’s mind. Some will enjoy on recreational activities. Some will enjoy watching games like cricket, basketball, football, tennis and so on. Some will enjoy watching television and cinema programs. These enjoyments will last only for some time. If the family set up is good, all the family members will be happy. If this is to be steady, everyone in the family should behave in a proper manner. 

In a family life, each member has to adhere to certain disciplines. While in the young age, the children have to study properly. If they keep talking in the class, their time is wasted and their learning also declines. During loose-talks, fun-induced conversation will have degrading words instead of appreciation, on others. Those insulting words will wound others. Likewise, when elders involve in gossip at work place, it will lead to humiliation. Hence, it should be avoided. In some families, it has become a common practice for the husband to insult wife and her family members, during their conversation. Due to this, the wife’s mind is disturbed, which might lead to deterioration of happiness in the family. These insulting talks emanate from those who waste their time. This is further multiplied due to the bad ‘drinking’ habits. 

Therefore, all should live with good habits. Without wasting time, one should read good books and enhance his knowledge. If one involves in pep talks for the sake of short-lived fun, family peace and friendship will be affected. Troubles will brew within a family. Friends will desert. If there are bad friends, it will lead to enmity. Therefore, while talking one should talk with good meaning, but without insulting others.                   

June 17.

169. The desire of knowledge, like the thirst of riches, increases ever with acquisition of it. (Laurence Sterne).

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

Arivudaiyaar aavadhu arivaar; arivilaar

Agdhu-ari kallaa dhavar. (Thirukkurahl – 427).

அறிவுடையார் ஆவது அறிவார்; அறிவிலார்

அஃதுஅறி கல்லா தவர். (திருக்குறள் - 427).  

There is a proverb which means ‘little drops make big floods’. Mostly, we say it but never think about it. We have to realize its meaning and act accordingly. The little drops of rain, which is pure water, make the flood. If we control that flood in an organized manner through a dam, we can utilize the water in a good way. If it is not done like that, the flood carries everything on its route, becomes dirty and finally reaches the ocean, if possible. It destroys many things on the way. 

The growth of knowledge is also like that. Our knowledge grows slowly from the books we read daily. We have to use this knowledge in a good way. If it is not properly used, it becomes contaminated with all the materials, just like the flood. Therefore, the capacity of the scholars should be utilized properly. Good educated persons should associate with good persons and perform good deeds. All of us know the utility of electricity. Instead of proper usage, if it is wrongly connected dangerous shock and fire will result. The experts in the computer area do great contributions. Some persons misuse their capability and create the bad things called virus. If the nuclear power is properly applied, many great things can be performed. When we increase the strength of light rays, we get the powerful light beam called laser. This laser beam is useful in doing various surgeries and many high-precision works. But, the laser beam will affect our body in a dangerous way, if it is used without proper precautions. 

Hence, it is natural for a person to become knowledgeable. This development should be used in a proper way. When people become rich, they do not get the fulfillment, though it should be. In the case of knowledge, there should never be fulfillment; it should be used in a good way.       

June 18.

170. Great thoughts come from the heart. (Marquis de Vauvenargues).

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

Arivudaiyaar yellaam udaiyaar; arivilaar

Yennudaiya(r) aenum yilar. (Thirukkurahl – 430).

அறிவுஉடையார் எல்லாம் உடையார்; அறிவிலார் 

என்னுடைய ரேனும் இலர். (திருக்குறள் - 430). 

In general, everyone will have some thought or other in the mind. If that thought is good, it will be beneficial to him and others. If it is beneficial to all persons, it is good for the country. We may wonder how our thoughts will be beneficial to the whole nation. We should not have the feeling that only leaders’ thoughts will be beneficial to the country. The thoughts of the leaders are transformed into five-year plans. They are helpful to the growth of the country. 

Peoples’ thoughts are also helpful to our development. A bad action of a person spoils many persons. If a person drives a vehicle ignoring the traffic rules, or if a person crosses a road at unmarked places, accidents are bound to happen. To prevent this, people should have good and proper thoughts. If the vehicles move in a line, one behind the other, they can move faster. In a marathon event, since people run as a crowd, they are not able to run fast. However, in a regular race, since everyone runs within his lane, all the participants run faster. In the same way, if the vehicles follow the lane culture, they can move faster. This thought should come in the minds of the people. While entering a bus or train, if people adhere to ‘queue’ culture, the boarding will be easier and quick. In developed countries, we see the lane culture in the vehicular movement, through the movies; some persons get the chance to see it in person. The people who form a queue while waiting, board the bus in line and adhering to the queue. If someone decides to go by another bus, he stays behind, allowing the next one to proceed. This system was in vogue here also about thirty years ago. But, it has slowly changed and the queue culture has completely vanished from the minds of the people. 

Such good thoughts should emanate from our mind. We should not stop with a discussion alone. Our good thoughts should be put into practice. Bad activities are done by many people without any hesitation. But many people hesitate to carry out good activities. By telling that it is impossible to do good things, we try to justify our bad activities. Let us have good thinking and good performance. 

    

June 19.

171. Lazy people are always looking for something to do. (Marquis de Vauvenargues).

It is a rare thing for the idle, even if they receive the aid of kings, to derive any great benefit from it. (Thirukkurahl – 606).

Padiyudaiyaar partramaindha(k) kahnnum madiyudaiyaar

Maahn-payan yeidhal aridhu. (Thirukkurahl – 606).

படிஉடையார் பற்றுஅமைந்தக்  கண்ணும் மடியுடையார் 

மாண்பயன் எய்தல் அரிது. (திருக்குறள் - 606). 

Everyone, whether he is a student or a working person, should do his work with aim. During the studies, a student should study the lessons in full. Reading one or two pages of a book and then switching the interest to another subject is not correct. Only if we read book to a considerable depth, we will be able to understand the essence and become knowledgeable. Whatever we see does not remain in our mind. Some people slip and fall down due to the littering of the skin of a banana fruit. Those who laugh at this sight are more. No one thinks that the throwing of the banana skin on the floor is wrong. We forget this incident immediately and proceed with other work. If that thought persists, we will not make such a mistake. If we use our mind, we could eliminate similar mistakes. If our knowledge improves, our ignorance and lethargy will fade away.

Working people should involve themselves in the work with attention and enthusiasm. If one changes the job frequently, he cannot become efficient in anything. If the experience is insufficient, one cannot get any other suitable job. One has to improve his qualification if he wants to take up another good job. A lethargic person will always look for something else, since he never involves himself in any job. The one who never realizes his mistake will not progress in life. One should read many good books to get the attitude of self-realization of his own mistakes. One should also listen to good advice from wise persons. 

Hence, regular education and human development education are essential for a prosperous life.      

June 20.

172. The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, and all that beauty, all that wealth ever gave, awaits alike the inevitable hour; the paths of glory lead but to the grave. (Thomas Gray).

Let not a king praise himself, at any time; let him not desire to do useless things. (Thirukkurahl – 439).

Viyavar(k)ka yen-gnaandrum tha(n)nai; nayavar(k)ka

Nandri payavaa vinai. (Thirukkurahl – 439).

வியவற்க எஞ்ஞான்றும் தன்னை; நயவற்க 

நன்றி பயவா வினை. (திருக்குறல் - 439). 

Everyone will think of leading a good life. However, only a few are able to achieve it. The reason for that is their enthusiasm. It should be in a good way. The life obtainable through bad deeds will never give us happiness. Such people will be always in fear. To conceal that fear, such people will always have some persons surrounding them, while leading a pompous life. They will not talk in a mild way. They will try to expose their pride in every action. 

Some people will try to use their power. The power enjoyed from a position is to be regarded as a responsibility. It should be used in a proper manner to help everyone. One should avoid doing bad things due to the possession of official power, physical power through crowd, and monetary power. These faults are in plenty in developing nations. General knowledge is very important. If academic education is added to that, it will be very nice. Those who possess this will never boast themselves. Their fame will remain even after their demise. But, the pride due to false prestige, richness, and beauty will vanish as soon as they decrease. Fame will always be stable. 

Hence, the names of those who have become famous due to their accomplishments remain permanent. It is not proper to do certain work expecting fame from that. We should not go after fame. It will come to us based on our work. It will be good if such a thought persists all along from the young age. If we leave it in the middle, it is equivalent to jumping half-way through a well. Hence, let us live with good character.       

June 21.

173. Sweet is the breath of vernal shower, the bee’s collected treasures sweet, sweet music’s melting fall, but sweeter yet the still small voice of gratitude. (Thomas Gray).

If we weigh the excellence of a benefit which is conferred without weighing the return, it is larger than the sea. (Thirukkurahl – 103).

Payan-thookkaar seidha vudhavi nayan-thookkin

Nanmai kadalir peridhu. (Thirukkurahl – 103).

பயன்தூக்கார் செய்த உதவி நயன்தூக்கின்

நன்மை கடலின் பெரிது. (திருக்குறள் - 103). 

For everyone’s life, the help of others is essential. Nobody can live alone. It may appear correct that one can live without others’ help, if he has money. We say that we can pay money to buy our food from a food-shop. Some people are making food from the ingredients, while many others are making the various ingredients. We never recognize such people. In the same way, we think that we can cure our ailments by paying money. But, we have to remember the need of the buildings, equipments, doctors and workers, and other similar facilities. Like this, we can list several examples. Hence, before taking food, while waking up in the morning, and before going to bed in the night, we pray the unseen power as god, as to thank for everything. 

We enjoy the services of others without seeing those persons. Many of us do not thank for such actions. However, we now have the habit of thanking the people who help us. Everyone should adhere to this. It is not good to thank once, and forget it later. One should not forget those who did good things to us. We should never forget to thank the persons who helped us lead a good life and prevented us from taking bad routes. We should never associate with such persons who help us enjoy good comforts through bad actions. We should not approach a person who instigates us to burglary by offering a portion of the loot. That action will destroy us.

Therefore, the sincere thanking will always be appreciated. Though others do not expect anything from us, they will be elated by our sincere thanking. Such happiness of good persons will always be showering more benefits to us.               

June 22.

174. When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle. (Edmund Burke).

It is tenfold more injurious to abandon the friendship of the good, than to incur the hatred of the many. (Thirukkurahl – 450).

Pallaar pagai-kohlalin pa(th)thadu(th)tha theemai(th)thae

Nallaar thodar-kai vidal. (Thirukkurahl – 450).

பல்லார் பகைகொளலின் பத்துஅடுத்த தீமைத்தே 

நல்லார் தொடர்கை விடல். (திருக்குறள் - 450). 

In the life of a person, friends will be no time without friends. Sometimes, the naturally obtainable relatives will move like friends, while the friends will be considered as relatives. Let us not analyze this situation at present. It is said that if a person is to be judged, it will be enough if his friends are known. The one who has good friends will be good. One can say that those who are with a person who does bad things cannot be called friends. The reason for that is that the definition of a friend is the one who removes the difficulties of a person. If that is so, how can we call the persons who help in the propagation of bad things as friends? Therefore, it is not proper to consider those who are involved in dangerous activities as friends. We can probably consider them as a crowd. They will separate if there is any small difference of opinion. Friends are not like that. 

It will be good to have a committee for any action. Small children will start moving and playing with one another within a short time. But, school children will take a long time to understand one another. College students will take a longer time. It will take a very long time for the working persons to understand each other. But, if there is a quarrel on the street, everyone will join immediately. That means, the crowd will be formed for unnecessary things. There will be less people for knowledge oriented discussions. This situation must change. 

Therefore, if the experts join together and do good things, the country will benefit. If the good people unite and involve in common activities, our country will emerge high in the world. Hence, this thought should be there in the minds of all the good people.      

June 23.

175. It is not, what a lawyer tells me I may do; but what humanity, reason and justice tell me I ought to do. (Edmund Burke).

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

Aran-arindhu moo(th)tha arivudaiyaar kaehnmai

Thiran-arindhu thaerndhu kohlal. (Thirukkurahl – 441).

அறன்அறிந்து மூத்த அறிவுடையார் கேண்மை 

திறன்அறிந்து தேர்ந்து கொளல். (திருக்குறள் - 441).  

It is a correct thinking if everyone wishes to earn a good name. Nobody wishes to become a thief. No one wishes to become a thug and live by wounding others. People are pushed to undertake such a bad life. The reason is that they don’t have proper capacity for getting a good profession. Under this circumstance, the bad people utilize such innocent persons for their bad activities and spoil them too. The number of such persons who induce bad activities is increasing. If twenty percent of the population involves in such bad actions, the whole country will be affected. Even if the other eighty percent are good persons, their effect will be destroyed by the bad. 

Hence, if a person wants to avoid bad line, he should improve is capability. They should approach the wise persons and teachers to learn the progressive pathways and act accordingly. Wise persons’ words will benefit everyone. The words of bad persons will appear to be acceptable. The laws were written by people to guide our lives; some changes are incorporated at times. But, one must give importance to the human values. Proper situation must be created to help the people lead a good life. It is better to understand and live a good life. 

Therefore, one should live with human value, instead of committing errors, for the sake of a comfortable life. To achieve this, one should live by associating with wise persons.        

June 24.

176. There never was a bad man that had ability for good service. (Edmund Burke).

The actions of those, who have not desisted from doing deeds forbidden (by the great), will even if they succeed, cause them sorrow. (Thirukkurahl – 658).

Kadindha kadindhoraar seidhaarkku avai-dhaam

Mudindhaalum peezhai tharum. (Thirukkurahl – 658).

கடிந்த கடிந்துஓரார் செய்தார்க்கு அவைதாம் 

முடிந்தாலும் பீழை தரும். (திருக்குறல் - 658). 

In general, we distinguish people as good and bad. Our actions should not cause troubles to others in any way. Some of our work may cause troubles to others, even without our awareness. We never think of such actions. When we go out, it is wrong to spit. It is wrong to allow children to urinate on the road-sides, in buses, trains and other public places. It is also wrong to do the same thing by the grown-up persons. It is also wrong to throw out the unused food materials in the public area. Due to this action, the germs are produced which affect the health of all of us. This is not realized by those who cause such mistakes. One way out for this is to remove their ignorance. It is sad to know that even the educated people make such mistakes. The reason for this is that no one is aware of his mistake. Such people should read the health oriented words and follow accordingly. School children must follow this from their young days. These good principles must be taught by the teachers to the students; the students should impress these good points to their parents and relatives. The government can only suggest the ways. It is the people who have to follow it. 

We can consider those people who want to hurt others as dangerous persons. Those who do certain harmful things without awareness can be called as bad persons. These people have no opportunity to do any good thing to others. To make a change, the school children can help. First, the young children should realize these points. Then they have to help those in their houses to follow it properly. If students and educated persons adhere to this, we can get a healthy life. We should ensure the cleanliness outside of our house also, as we do it inside.

June 25.

177. Superstition is the religion of feeble minds. (Edmund Burke).

Inglorious births are produced by the confusion (of mind) which considers those things to be real which are not real. (Thirukkurahl – 351).

Poruhl allavartrai(p) poruhl-endru vuhnarum

Maruhlaan-aam maahnaa(p) pirappu. (Thirukkurahl – 351).

பொருள்அல்ல வற்றைப் பொருள்என்று உணரும் 

மருளான்ஆம் மாணாப் பிறப்பு. (திருக்குறள் - 351). 

We all should live with belief. When everyone writes an examination, the expectation will be to write it well and obtain good marks. When the children are born, their parents will expect the babies to be born with proper physical condition and brain development. In practice, some of our belief will be beyond our knowledge. Based on scientific development, we can identify certain problems and rectify some defects. But, we are not in a position to identify the initial defects and the reason. We consider it as God’s will and console ourselves. We have to perform certain things which are possible to us. We have to do it with suitable expectation of the end result. 

For example, while participating in a running race, one should believe in his efficiency. It is not good if one thinks of getting the first place in a running race, if he has no running practice. We have to improve our capacity and then enter into a job with confidence. Some people waste their life by buying lottery tickets to get rich, without doing any work. This kind of belief is not correct. Those who don’t have the intention of improving their capability, waste their time by telling that they do not have luck. Some people utilize this belief to deceive others. This belief is not to be confused with belief in God. Those who don’t have will power will lack self-confidence; such people will never progress in life. 

Hence, we have to improve our capability and act with self-confidence. Many scripts say that we should leave the result to God, after performing our duty. Therefore, without blaming one’s luck, one should improve his knowledge and perform a suitable job, and enjoy the life.      

June 26.

178. He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper. (Edmund Burke).

Bright as gold which has been purified in the fire will those shine, who have endured the burning of pain (in frequent austerities). (Thirukkurahl – 267).

Suda-chudarum pon-poal ohli-vidum thunbam

Suda-chuda noakkir(p) pavarkku. (Thirukkurahl – 267).

சுடச்சுடரும் பொன்போல் ஒளிவிடும் துன்பம் 

சுடச்சுட நோற்கிற் பவர்க்கு. (திருக்குறள் - 267). 

A person should study well, if his life has to be good; then he should obtain proper practical experience. One will be offered a job only after testing his capability. He will know his capability only at the time of testing. We call this method as examination, in the school system. The knowledge of the students is determined by the marks obtained by them. Different practices are offered to those who are not successful in the examination. In sports, people display their capacity. In a running event, if only one person participates, he will not know whether he is running fast or slowly. Only if two or more people participate, each will know how much faster one should run. This will, in turn, indicate how much practice one should undergo.

Therefore, without competition the capability will not improve. We note in sports that in some events, the previous record has been beaten. We also read that many Guinness records have been overcome in certain events. That means, the performance improves through hard practice. Let us consider a lock, as a simple example. In the olden days, the houses were not locked at all, since there were no burglars at that time. The lock system came in vogue when theft was noticed. Then the burglars could easily open the lock. Better locks were then prepared. Like this, several examples could be mentioned. Some persons create viruses in computers. People have found methods to control it. Many devices have been introduced to prevent shock from electricity. Prevention of shrinking of cloth and fire-proof cloths has been found. 

In the same way, methods have been suggested to prevent people from indulging in dangerous activities. If that is followed, a good society will emerge. Just like the importance we give to the materials which we use, we should think about the maintenance of our good character.            

June 27.

179. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. (Edmund Burke).

He will perish who does what it is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to do. (Thirukkurahl – 466).

Seidhakka alla seyak-kedum; seidhakka

Seyyaamai yaanum kedum. (Thirukkurahl – 466).

செய்தக்க அல்ல செயக்கெடும் செய்தக்க 

செய்யாமை யானும் கெடும். (திருக்குறள் - 466). 

If a country is to become a developed one, its people must live happily. Whether poor or rich, everyone will like to be happy. If people try to get happiness by good method, all others will also be happy. If one gets happiness by hurting and wounding others, it is not a good life. It is not proper to leave such bad persons without correcting them. But everyone cannot correct those erring persons. Only such persons who have the authority in each discipline can correct such people. 

The teachers can correct the students. The faults in the learning should be corrected then and there. The students also should correct themselves. One should correct the improper pronunciation of the words as well as the grammar mistakes. If it is not done, the faults will always remain in them. The mistakes will be of different nature, if the students become a part of the public, after their education. The public involve in spitting, throwing garbage and breaking glass objects on the roads, causing other unhygienic nuisances and in other bad activities. These activities are invariably done by poor people. Their poverty and misdeeds have to be removed. The mistakes of affluent people are of different kind. They should adhere to traffic rules while driving. If their drivers make mistakes, they should correct them. Further, the attitude of a strike, blocking of traffic, breaking of shops and vehicles, and doing other bad activities for petty reasons, and involving poor people for such activities are not correct. This should be avoided. Such disturbing activities do not take place in developed countries. Everyone should realize this. 

Therefore, it is important to prevent mistakes. The culprits should be prevented. Correction of that through proper advice is better. Those who have the powers to correct it should realize and act accordingly. If the persons who are involved in good activities remain without doing anything, the troubles will increase. Hence, everyone should be involved for maintaining happiness.            

June 28.

180. Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all. (George Washington).

That is an army which knowing the art of warding off an impending struggle can bear against the dust-van (of a hostile force). (Thirukkurahl – 767).

Thaar-thaanghi(ch) selvadhu thaanai thalai-vandha

Poar-thaanghum thanmai arindhu. (Thirukkurahl – 767).

தார்தாங்கிச் செல்வது தானை தலைவந்த 

போர்தாங்கும் தன்மை அறிந்து. (திருக்குறள் - 767). 

All the people in the world live with some discipline. The level of the discipline varies between countries and groups of people. If excessive control is there, sometimes, difficulties arise. When the control is relaxed, different kind of problems arise.

Our dress habit, which depends on the place, is also a form of discipline. In the same way, our habits are a part of discipline prevailing in our country. The food habit is one kind of control. There is a control in eating non-vegetarian food. Though many people violate this in their young age, they adhere to it at their old-age. If they exceed, only their health will get affected. But, control of mind is very important. If the discipline is lost, the society is affected. If the society is affected, the country is affected. Burglar-free situation is one kind. Litter-free place is another kind. Keeping food-marts and hotels clean is one kind of discipline. Illegal association with other women is a violation of discipline. Destroying and damaging public facilities are also a violation of discipline. If we live with discipline and without doing any dangerous activities, we can live in a good manner. The cities and the country will be neat. If we do not adhere to the discipline limit, we get affected by unhygienic conditions, and bad health; infectious diseases, AIDS and other diseases increase and spoil us and the country. 

Hence, we need the discipline. We should not think that the discipline is needed only in military and police departments. Hence, we all need disciplined life. It has to be realized and followed with pleasure. Disciplined life will afford greatness.      

June 29.

181. All great changes are irksome to the human mind, especially those which are attended with great dangers and uncertain effects. (John Adams).

Though it should cause increasing sorrow (at the outset), do with firmness the act that yields bliss (in the end). (Thirukkurahl – 669).

Thunbum vuravarinum seiga(h) thuhnivaartri 

Yinbam payakkum vinai. (Thirukkurahl – 669).

துன்பம் உறவரினும் செய்க துணிவுஆற்றி

இன்பம் பயக்கும் வினை. (திருக்குறள் - 669(. 

In the minds of all of us, the thought that our work is the best would always prevail. We will consider it likewise great about our thoughts and words. If this thought is strong in us, we will not agree to others’ opinion. If we live like that, there will be no development in the world. We still adhere to certain old habits. The reason for that is that they are good habits; another reason is that a better practice has not evolved yet. But, when a good new method is found, we have to accept it and change accordingly. 

For example, many changes have taken place in radio and television systems. We accept it. In the same way, developments have occurred in the vehicles, and we use such vehicles and other facilities like train and plane. But, many of us do not follow the modern civic facilities, and still live in the old ways. We have to follow the hygienic methods. In the olden days, since the population was less the civic lapses did not bother much. Since the population has increased, we have to change our life-style. If a small tear or dirt is in our shirt or dress, we may not worry about it. But, if it is torn at many places, or sprayed with dirt at many places, we will change the shirt before going out. In the same way, we have to accept the suggestions given for a hygienic living. The common people must realize this.

Therefore, everyone should listen to the wise persons, realize it and follow accordingly.          

June 30.

182. The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators. (Edward Gibbon).

Labor will produce wealth; idleness will bring poverty. (Thirukkurahl – 616).

Muyar(ch)chi thiruvinai aakkum; muyartrinmai

Yinmai pugu(th)thi vidum. (Thirukkurahl – 616).

முயற்சி திருவினை ஆக்கும்; முயற்றின்மை 

இன்மை புகுத்தி விடும். (திருக்குறள் - 616).