Learning
Thaamin Puruvadhu Ulakin Purak / Kantu Kaamuruvar Katrarin Thaar
Classical English couplet — “Their joy is joy of all the world, they see; thus moreThe learners learn to love their cherished lore”
What it says in plain words
“Learning brings joy to learners and to other people. Seeing others enjoy what they have learned makes learners want to learn more.”
The classical Tamil reading
தாம் இன்புறுவதற்குக் காரணமான கல்வியால் உலகமும் இன்புறுவதைக் கண்டு, கற்றறிந்த அறிஞர் மேன்மேலும் (அக் கல்வியையே) விரும்புவர்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
தமக்கு இன்பம் தருகின்ற கல்வியறிவு உலகத்தாருக்கும் இன்பம் தருவதைக் கண்டு, அறிஞர்கள் மேலும் மேலும் பலவற்றைக் கற்றிட விரும்புவார்கள்
The ethical and philosophical heart
What we learn can bring joy beyond our own lives. A new skill can help a friend or make family life easier. Seeing that benefit gives us another reason to keep learning. Joy grows when learning helps others, making us eager to discover more.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You learn a card game, enjoy teaching friends, and want to learn another.
- Workplace
- Your team enjoys a shortcut you learned, encouraging you to explore more useful tools.
- Family
- Your family enjoys a dish you learned to cook, so you try another recipe.
- Society
- Neighbors enjoy the garden you helped grow, inspiring you to learn more about plants.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Choose something to learn that you enjoy and others can benefit from.
- Integrity
- Use what you learn to help others, not just yourself.
- Communication
- Share useful ideas simply, so others can enjoy learning too.
- Leadership
- Show people how their learning helps others, giving them reasons to keep learning.
- Governance
- Support public learning spaces where people can discover useful skills and share their joy.
For leaders and teams
Help your group see the shared joy of learning. When their new skills help others, encourage them to learn more.
Something to sit with
“What have you enjoyed learning that could bring joy to someone else today?”