Learning
Utaiyaarmun Illaarpol Ekkatrung Katraar / Kataiyare Kallaa Thavar
Classical English couplet — “With soul submiss they stand, as paupers front a rich man's face;Yet learned men are first; th'unlearned stand in lowest place”
What it says in plain words
“People who put aside pride and eagerly learn gain knowledge. Those who refuse to learn fall behind.”
The classical Tamil reading
செல்வர் முன் வறியவர் நிற்பது போல் (கற்றவர்முன்) ஏங்கித் தாழ்ந்து நின்றும் கல்விக் கற்றவரே உயர்ந்தவர், கல்லாதவர் இழிந்தவர்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
அறிவுடையார் முன் அறிவில்லாதவர் போல் தாழ்ந்து நின்று, மேலும் கற்றுக்கொள்பவர்களின் ஆர்வத்தைக் கற்றுக் கொள்ளாதவர்கள் கடைநிலை மாந்தராக கருதப்படுவார்கள்
The ethical and philosophical heart
The couplet compares learners to poor people seeking help from the wealthy. Learners may need to ask humbly for knowledge they lack. The key is to value learning more than pride. At home or work, admitting what you do not know helps you learn.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You ask a friend to explain a bank form you do not understand.
- Workplace
- You ask a younger coworker to teach you a useful computer skill.
- Family
- You let your child show you how to use your new phone.
- Society
- A resident asks an experienced gardener how to care for shared trees.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Ask someone who knows more before making an unfamiliar choice.
- Integrity
- Admit when you do not know instead of pretending you understand.
- Communication
- Ask questions respectfully, even when you feel embarrassed about knowing less.
- Leadership
- Learn from team members, whatever their job or age.
- Governance
- Public officials should learn from people who understand local problems.
For leaders and teams
A good leader can learn from anyone who knows more. Do not let your position stop you from asking questions.
Something to sit with
“What would you like to learn today, and whose help could you seek?”