Impartiality
Thakudhi Enavondru Nandre Pakudhiyaal / Paarpattu Ozhukap Perin
Classical English couplet — “If justice, failing not, its quality maintain,Giving to each his due, -'tis man's one highest gain”
What it says in plain words
“Being fair means treating friends, strangers, and people you dislike with equal care. This goodness matters when you practice it with everyone.”
The classical Tamil reading
அந்தந்தப் பகுதிதோறும் முறையோடு பொருந்தி ஒழுகப்பெற்றால், நடுவுநிலைமை என்று கூறப்படும் அறம் நன்மையாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
பகைவர், அயலோர், நண்பர் எனப்பகுத்துப் பார்த்து ஒருதலைச் சார்பாக நிற்காமல் இருத்தலே நன்மை தரக்கூடிய நடுவுநிலைமை எனும் தகுதியாகும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Our feelings can make us favor friends and dismiss others. Fairness asks us to look beyond who we like. Someone we dislike still deserves a fair hearing. At home or work, judge each situation without taking sides.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You return extra change, even to a shopkeeper you dislike.
- Workplace
- You judge each coworker's idea fairly, including ideas from friends.
- Family
- You hear both children's accounts before deciding who broke a rule.
- Society
- You support fair access to public services for neighbors you like and dislike.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Look at the facts before choosing a friend's side.
- Integrity
- Apply the same rules even when your friend would benefit from an exception.
- Communication
- Listen with equal care to friends, strangers, and people you dislike.
- Leadership
- Give everyone a fair chance to explain what happened.
- Governance
- Handle each public request fairly, regardless of personal connections.
For leaders and teams
A good leader gives everyone the same fair hearing. Do not let friendship or dislike decide how you treat someone.
Something to sit with
“Where could you be fairer today toward someone you dislike or do not know?”