The Possession of Patience, Forbearance
Unnaadhu Norpaar Periyar Pirarsollum / Innaachchol Norpaarin Pin
Classical English couplet — “Though 'great' we deem the men that fast and suffer pain,Who others' bitter words endure, the foremost place obtain”
What it says in plain words
“Going without food by choice takes strength and deserves respect. Showing patience when others speak cruelly deserves even greater respect.”
The classical Tamil reading
உணவு உண்ணாமல் நோன்பு கிடப்பவர், பிறர் சொல்லும் கொடுஞ் சொற்களைப் பொறுப்பவர்க்கு அடுத்த நிலையில்தான் பெரியவர் ஆவர்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
பசி பொறுத்து உண்ணாநோன்பு இருக்கும் உறுதி படைத்தவர்கள்கூடப் பிறர்கூறும் கொடுஞ்சொற்களைப் பொறுத்துக் கொள்பவர்களுக்கு, அடுத்த நிலையில் தான் வைத்துப் போற்றப்படுவார்கள்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Choosing to go without food shows control over hunger. The couplet gives greater praise to patience with hurtful words. Harsh words can make us want to hurt someone back. Bearing that pain without answering cruelly shows great inner strength.
In personal life, work and society
Personal: When a friend mocks your clothes, you answer without insulting them.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Pause after an insult before deciding how to respond.
- Integrity
- Keep your own words kind, even when someone speaks cruelly.
- Communication
- Explain that a comment hurt you without attacking the speaker.
- Leadership
- When someone speaks rudely, address the problem without shaming them.
- Governance
- Public officials can answer harsh complaints calmly instead of insulting people.
For leaders and teams
Show others that patience is a strength, especially when words hurt. Your calm reply can guide how they handle insults.
Something to sit with
“What would help you respond patiently to hurtful words today?”