Ignorance
Kallaadhaan Sorkaa Murudhal Mulaiyirantum / Illaadhaal Penkaamur Ratru
Classical English couplet — “Like those who doat on hoyden's undeveloped charms are they,Of learning void, who eagerly their power of words display”
What it says in plain words
“Wanting to speak among well-informed people is not enough. You need to learn about the subject before addressing them.”
The classical Tamil reading
(கற்றவரின் அவையில்) கல்லாதவன் ஒன்றைச் சொல்ல விரும்புதல், முலை இரண்டும் இல்லாதவள் பெண் தன்மையை விரும்பினாற் போன்றது.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
கல்லாதவனின் சொல்கேட்க விரும்புவது, மார்பகம் இல்லாத பெண்மீது மையல் கொள்வதற்கு ஒப்பானது
The ethical and philosophical heart
The couplet warns against speaking without the knowledge a subject needs. Wanting to be heard does not make our words useful. What matters is knowledge behind the words, not eagerness to speak. At home or work, learning first helps us offer better advice.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Learn how a loan works before advising a friend to borrow.
- Workplace
- Read the project details before offering your view at a meeting.
- Family
- Understand the school choices before advising your child about them.
- Society
- Learn about local water problems before speaking at a community meeting.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Learn the facts before recommending a choice to others.
- Integrity
- Admit when you do not know enough to give advice.
- Communication
- Ask questions to understand a subject before explaining it.
- Leadership
- Prepare well before guiding your team through unfamiliar work.
- Governance
- Seek informed advice before explaining a new policy to the public.
For leaders and teams
Leading others calls for learning before giving guidance. Understand the issue before telling your family or team what to do.
Something to sit with
“What could you learn more about before giving advice today?”