Seeking the Aid of Great Men
Pallaar Pakai Kolalir Paththatuththa / Theemaiththe Nallaar Thotarkai Vital
Classical English couplet — “Than hate of many foes incurred, works greater woeTen-fold, of worthy men the friendship to forego”
What it says in plain words
“Leaving good people's friendship behind brings ten times more harm than making many enemies.”
The classical Tamil reading
நல்லவராகிய பெரியாரின் தொடர்பைக் கைவிடுதல் பலருடைய பகையைத் தேடிக்கொள்வதைவிடப் பத்து மடங்கு தீமை உடையதாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
நல்லவர்களின் தொடர்பைக் கைவிடுவது என்பது பலருடைய பகையைத் தேடிக் கொள்வதை விடக் கேடு விளைவிக்கக் கூடியதாகும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Good friends can help us see mistakes and make better choices. Walking away means losing their care and honest advice. The couplet urges us to value the friendship of good people. Losing that support can hurt more than having many people against us.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Stay close to a good friend who honestly points out your mistakes.
- Workplace
- Keep learning from a helpful coworker, even when their advice is hard to hear.
- Family
- Keep talking with a caring relative instead of avoiding them after a disagreement.
- Society
- Keep supporting honest community helpers, even when others turn against them.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Before ending a friendship, consider the good support you would lose.
- Integrity
- Do not abandon honest friends just to please a crowd.
- Communication
- Talk through disagreements with good friends instead of cutting contact.
- Leadership
- Keep helpful, honest people close, even when they question your choices.
- Governance
- Keep listening to honest advisers, even when their advice is unpopular.
For leaders and teams
A leader should stay close to good people. Do not lose their honest support just to avoid disagreement.
Something to sit with
“Which good person in your life could you make more effort to stay close to today?”