Not Envying
Azhukkaaru Enaoru Paavi Thiruchchetruth / Theeyuzhi Uyththu Vitum
Classical English couplet — “Envy, embodied ill, incomparable bane,Good fortune slays, and soul consigns to fiery pain”
What it says in plain words
“Envy can ruin your wealth and lead you into harmful choices. It means being upset because someone else has something you want.”
The classical Tamil reading
பொறாமை என்று கூறப்படும் ஒப்பற்ற பாவி, ஒருவனுடைய செல்வத்தைக் கெடுத்துத் தீய வழியில் அவனைச் செலுத்தி விடும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
பொறாமை எனும் தீமை ஒருவனுடைய செல்வத்தையும் சிதைத்துத் தீய வழியிலும் அவனை விட்டுவிடும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Envy turns someone else's success into a reason for feeling unhappy. You may waste money trying to have what they have. You may also hurt others to get ahead of them. The warning is that envy can destroy what you have.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You avoid spending your savings on a car just because a friend bought one.
- Workplace
- You avoid spreading rumors about a coworker who received a promotion.
- Family
- You keep family spending affordable instead of competing with a relative's lifestyle.
- Society
- A shopkeeper improves service instead of damaging a more successful neighbor's shop.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Ask whether a purchase meets your needs or simply matches someone else's.
- Integrity
- Do not let envy push you to cheat for money.
- Communication
- Avoid putting others down because you wish you had their success.
- Leadership
- Give people fair chances, even when their success makes you feel jealous.
- Governance
- Use public money for people's needs, not to outshine another town.
For leaders and teams
When others do well, do not let envy guide you. Protect shared money and treat successful people fairly.
Something to sit with
“Where might envy be shaping how you spend money or treat someone today?”