Impartiality
Ketuvaaka Vaiyaadhu Ulakam Natuvaaka / Nandrikkan Thangiyaan Thaazhvu
Classical English couplet — “The man who justly lives, tenacious of the right,In low estate is never low to wise man's sight”
What it says in plain words
“People respect someone who stays fair and does what is right. Having little money does not make that person worth less.”
The classical Tamil reading
நடுவுநிலைமை நின்று அறநெறியில் நிலைத்து வாழகின்றவன் அடைந்த வறுமை நிலையைக் கேடு என கொள்ளாது உலகு.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
நடுவுநிலைமை தவறாமல் அறவழியில் வாழ்கிற ஒருவருக்கு அதன் காரணமாகச் செல்வம் குவியாமல் வறுமை நிலை ஏற்படுமேயானால் அவரை உலகம் போற்றுமே தவிரத் தாழ்வாகக் கருதாது
The ethical and philosophical heart
Being fair may mean giving up a chance to gain money. Someone might refuse extra payment for giving a friend special treatment. They may have less money, but fairness deserves respect. This couplet reminds us to value people beyond their wealth.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You return extra change, even when money is tight.
- Workplace
- A shopkeeper charges everyone fairly, even when higher prices could bring more money.
- Family
- You respect a relative who earns little but treats everyone fairly.
- Society
- Neighbors value a fair community worker, even though she has few belongings.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Choose what is fair, even when it brings less money.
- Integrity
- Keep treating people fairly when money is tight.
- Communication
- Speak respectfully about people who live fairly but have little money.
- Leadership
- Value people for their fairness, not their money or possessions.
- Governance
- Respect public workers who refuse money offered for special treatment.
For leaders and teams
Show that fairness matters more than wealth through your own choices. Respect those who do right, even when they earn less.
Something to sit with
“Who in your life deserves more respect for their fairness, whatever they earn?”