Ignorance
Ularennum Maaththiraiyar Allaal Payavaak / Kalaranaiyar Kallaa Thavar
Classical English couplet — “'They are': so much is true of men untaught;But, like a barren field, they yield us nought”
What it says in plain words
“People who do not learn are like land where nothing grows. They are alive, but bring little benefit to others.”
The classical Tamil reading
கல்லாதவர் உயிரோடிருக்கின்றனர் என்று சொல்லப்படும் அளவினரே அல்லாமல் ஒன்றும் விளையாத களர் நிலத்திற்கு ஒப்பாவர்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
கல்லாதவர்களைக் களர்நிலத்துக்கு ஒப்பிடுவதே பொருத்தமானது காரணம் அவர்கள் வெறும் நடைப்பிணங்களாகவே கருதப்படுவார்கள்
The ethical and philosophical heart
The couplet compares a life without learning to an empty field. Nothing grows there to feed or help anyone else. This strong image shows why learning makes life useful. What we learn can help us support others at home and work.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You learn basic first aid so you can help someone hurt.
- Workplace
- You learn how a tool works before helping a coworker use it.
- Family
- You learn to cook a simple meal and share it at home.
- Society
- You learn how local services work and help a neighbor find support.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Learn about your choices before deciding what will help most.
- Integrity
- Admit what you do not know, and take time to learn.
- Communication
- Ask questions when you do not understand something important.
- Leadership
- Keep learning so you can give your team useful help.
- Governance
- Learn about people's needs before making decisions that affect them.
For leaders and teams
Your role alone does not make your guidance useful. Keep learning to help others with the problems they face.
Something to sit with
“What could you learn today that would help someone around you?”