The Correction of Faults
Ivaralum Maanpirandha Maanamum Maanaa / Uvakaiyum Edham Iraikku
Classical English couplet — “A niggard hand, o'erweening self-regard, and mirthUnseemly, bring disgrace to men of kingly brith”
What it says in plain words
“Refusing to share, placing yourself above others, and enjoying harmful acts are faults in a leader.”
The classical Tamil reading
பொருள் கொடாத தன்மையும் மாட்சியில்லாத மானமும், தகுதியற்ற மகிழ்ச்சியும் தலைவனாக இருப்பனுக்கு குற்றங்களாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
மனத்தில் பேராசை, மான உணர்வில் ஊனம், மாசுபடியும் செயல்களில் மகிழ்ச்சி ஆகியவை தலைமைக்குரிய தகுதிக்கே பெருங்கேடுகளாகும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
A leader's faults can affect everyone who depends on them. Greed can keep needed help from reaching other people. Too much pride can make a leader look down on others. Enjoying harmful acts can make those acts seem acceptable. Good leadership means watching your own faults, not just finding faults in others.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You share food with a friend instead of keeping more than you need.
- Workplace
- A manager listens to a cleaner without acting more important.
- Family
- A parent stops a joke that makes a child feel small.
- Society
- A community leader uses shared funds for public needs, not personal treats.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Check whether greed, pride, or harmful fun is shaping your choice.
- Integrity
- Share what you should instead of keeping everything for yourself.
- Communication
- Speak to others without treating them as less important.
- Leadership
- Avoid joining in when your group laughs at someone's pain.
- Governance
- Use public money to meet people's needs, not to please those in power.
For leaders and teams
Leading others starts with keeping your own faults in check. Share fairly, respect others, and avoid fun that causes harm.
Something to sit with
“Where could you be more giving, show more respect, or avoid hurtful fun today?”