The Possession of Decorum
Azhukkaa Rutaiyaankan Aakkampondru Illai / Ozhukka Milaankan Uyarvu
Classical English couplet — “The envious soul in life no rich increase of blessing gains,So man of 'due decorum' void no dignity obtains”
What it says in plain words
“Envy stands in the way of doing well in life. Without good behavior, a person cannot earn true respect.”
The classical Tamil reading
பொறாமை உடையவனிடத்தில் ஆக்கம் இல்லாதவாறு போல, ஒழுக்கம் இல்லாதவனுடைய வாழ்க்கையில் உயர்வு இல்லையாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
பொறாமையுடையவனுக்கும், நல்லொழுக்கமில்லாதவனுக்கும் அமையும் வாழ்வு, உயர்வான வாழ்வாகக் கருதப்பட மாட்டாது
The ethical and philosophical heart
Being jealous of others can spoil the good in your life. Money or a high position alone does not make someone worthy of respect. True respect rests on good behavior, not just visible success. How you treat people matters at home and at work.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Celebrate a friend's success instead of letting jealousy spoil your friendship.
- Workplace
- Give a coworker credit rather than claiming their work as yours.
- Family
- Speak kindly to your siblings instead of competing over who earns more.
- Society
- Value neighbors for how they treat people, not how much they own.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Choose what is right rather than what helps you outshine someone else.
- Integrity
- Treat people fairly, even when unfair behavior could bring you money.
- Communication
- Avoid putting others down because you feel jealous of their success.
- Leadership
- Earn respect through your behavior rather than relying on your title.
- Governance
- Judge public leaders by their conduct, not only by the position they hold.
For leaders and teams
A title alone cannot give you the respect good behavior earns. Show fairness and care in how you treat others.
Something to sit with
“Where could you focus more on good behavior and less on comparing yourself with others today?”