Hearing
Enaiththaanum Nallavai Ketka Anaiththaanum / Aandra Perumai Tharum
Classical English couplet — “Let each man good things learn, for e'en as heShall learn, he gains increase of perfect dignity”
What it says in plain words
“Listen to good advice, even if you hear only a little. Every small lesson helps you grow and earn respect.”
The classical Tamil reading
எவ்வளவு சிறிதே ஆயினும் நல்லவற்றைக் கேட்டறிய வேண்டும், கேட்ட அந்த அளவிற்கு அவை நிறைந்த பெருமையைத் தரும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
நல்லவற்றை எந்த அளவுக்குக் கேட்கிறோமோ அந்த அளவுக்குப் பெருமை கிடைக்கும் என்ற நம்பிக்கையுடன் இருக்க வேண்டும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
You do not need a long lesson to learn something useful. A few good words can help you handle everyday problems. The couplet reminds us that even a little listening matters. Each useful lesson you hear can help you become wiser.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You listen to a friend's simple tip about saving money.
- Workplace
- You learn a safer way to work from a coworker's brief advice.
- Family
- You listen as a family member explains how to settle a disagreement calmly.
- Society
- You hear a neighbor's suggestion for keeping a shared space clean.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Listen to useful advice before choosing what to do.
- Integrity
- Take a reminder about honesty seriously, even when it is brief.
- Communication
- Give a short, helpful suggestion your full attention.
- Leadership
- Make time to hear useful ideas from your team.
- Governance
- Listen to residents' suggestions, even when they raise a small concern.
For leaders and teams
Remember that small lessons help leaders grow. Listen when someone offers useful advice, even in a brief conversation.
Something to sit with
“What small piece of good advice could help you today?”