Acting after due Consideration
Ennith Thunika Karumam Thunindhapin / Ennuvam Enpadhu Izhukku
Classical English couplet — “Think, and then dare the deed! Who cry,'Deed dared, we'll think,' disgraced shall be”
What it says in plain words
“Think about what to do and how before you start. Starting first and leaving the thinking until later is a mistake.”
The classical Tamil reading
(செய்யத் தகுந்த) செயலையும் வழிகளை எண்ணிய பிறகே துணிந்து தொடங்க வேண்டும், துணிந்த பின் எண்ணிப் பார்க்கலாம் என்பது குற்றமாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
நன்றாகச் சிந்தித்த பிறகே செயலில் இறங்க வேண்டும்; இறங்கிய பிறகு சிந்திக்கலாம் என்பது தவறு
The ethical and philosophical heart
Even a good idea needs careful thought before action. Think before you begin means considering both the task and the steps. Buying something costly, for example, needs a look at your budget first. Waiting until afterward may leave you unable to pay other bills.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Check your budget before buying a new phone.
- Workplace
- Plan the steps before starting a team project.
- Family
- Discuss travel costs before booking a family holiday.
- Society
- Check who can help before starting a neighborhood cleanup.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Consider what a choice involves before saying yes.
- Integrity
- Think about whether you can keep a promise before making it.
- Communication
- Consider your words before sending a difficult message.
- Leadership
- Check the work and resources needed before committing your team.
- Governance
- Study costs and local needs before approving a public project.
For leaders and teams
Make careful thought before action a habit for your group. Discuss the steps before asking others to begin the work.
Something to sit with
“What do you need to think through before your next important step?”