Impartiality
Samanseydhu Seerdhookkung Kolpol Amaindhorupaal / Kotaamai Saandrork Kani
Classical English couplet — “To stand, like balance-rod that level hangs and rightly weighs,With calm unbiassed equity of soul, is sages' praise”
What it says in plain words
“Wise people judge fairly, like a balance scale that weighs things evenly. They do not lean toward one side out of personal preference.”
The classical Tamil reading
முன்னே தான் சமமாக இருந்து, பின்பு பொருளைச் சீர்தூக்கும் துலாக்கோல் போல் அமைந்து, ஒரு பக்கமாக சாயாமல் நடுவுநிலைமை போற்றுவது சான்றோர்க்கு அழகாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
ஒரு பக்கம் சாய்ந்து விடாமல் நாணயமான தாரசு முள் போல இருந்து நியாயம் கூறுவதுதான் உண்மையான நடுவுநிலைமை என்பதற்கு அழகாகும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
A balance scale must start level before it can weigh correctly. In the same way, we need to set aside our personal preferences before judging. At home or work, liking someone should not decide who is right. Fair judgment means weighing each side carefully, not favoring either one.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You hear both neighbors before deciding whose complaint is fair.
- Workplace
- You compare everyone's work fairly, even when a close friend is on the team.
- Family
- You listen to both children before deciding what happened during an argument.
- Society
- A community group considers each request for help using the same rules.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Check each side carefully before deciding what is fair.
- Integrity
- Keep the same standards when judging friends and strangers.
- Communication
- Let each person explain without giving your favorite more attention.
- Leadership
- Judge people's work by what they do, not how much you like them.
- Governance
- Apply public rules fairly, without special treatment for friends or supporters.
For leaders and teams
A fair leader must weigh each side without favoritism. Listen carefully before deciding, even when someone close to you is involved.
Something to sit with
“Where might your liking for someone affect a judgment you need to make today?”