Hearing
Ketpinung Kelaath Thakaiyave Kelviyaal / Thotkap Pataadha Sevi
Classical English couplet — “Where teaching hath not oped the learner's ear,The man may listen, but he scarce can hear”
What it says in plain words
“Hearing words is not the same as learning from them. If we refuse good advice, hearing it does us little good.”
The classical Tamil reading
கேள்வியறிவால் துளைக்கப் படாத செவிகள், ( இயற்கையான துளைகள் கொண்டு ஓசையைக்) கேட்டறிந்தாலும் கேளாத செவிட்டுத் தன்மை உடையனவே.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
இயற்கையாகவே கேட்கக்கூடிய காதுகளாக இருந்தாலும் அவை நல்லோர் உரைகளைக் கேட்க மறுத்தால் செவிட்டுக் காதுகள் என்றே கூறப்படும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
We can hear someone speak without taking their advice seriously. Listening means being willing to learn, not just noticing words. Good advice can help us understand problems and avoid mistakes. At home or work, this starts with giving others our attention.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You listen carefully as a nurse explains how to take your medicine.
- Workplace
- You learn from a coworker's advice instead of dismissing it.
- Family
- You put your phone aside to understand a parent's advice.
- Society
- Residents listen to a safety worker explain how to prepare for floods.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Listen to people who understand the problem before choosing what to do.
- Integrity
- Take good advice seriously, even when it challenges your actions.
- Communication
- Ask questions when you do not understand someone's advice.
- Leadership
- Be willing to learn from the people you guide.
- Governance
- Public officials should listen carefully to informed advice before making decisions.
For leaders and teams
A good leader stays open to learning from others. Give useful advice your attention, whoever offers it.
Something to sit with
“What useful advice could you give more attention to today?”