The Knowledge of Power
Olva Tharivadhu Arindhadhan Kandhangich / Chelvaarkkuch Chellaadhadhu Il
Classical English couplet — “Who know what can be wrought, with knowledge of the means, on this,Their mind firm set, go forth, nought goes with them amiss”
What it says in plain words
“Know what you can do and what the task needs. With that knowledge and steady effort, you can achieve your goal.”
The classical Tamil reading
தனக்குப் பொருந்தும் செயலையும் அதற்காக அறிய வேண்டியதையும் அறிந்து அதனிடம் நிலைத்து முயல்கின்றவர்க்கு முடியாதது ஒன்றும் இல்லை.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
ஒரு செயலில் ஈடுபடும்போது அச்செயலைப் பற்றிய அனைத்தையும் ஆராய்ந்தறிந்து முயற்சி மேற்கொண்டால் முடியாதது எதுவுமில்லை
The ethical and philosophical heart
A task needs more than the wish to succeed. Understand your own skills and learn what the work requires. This helps you choose a goal you can work toward. Then keep your effort steady instead of losing focus along the way.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Before training for a long walk, check your fitness and plan regular practice.
- Workplace
- Learn what a project needs before agreeing to finish it next week.
- Family
- Before fixing a shelf, check your skills and gather the right tools.
- Society
- Neighbors check costs and available help before starting a shared garden.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Choose a task after checking your skills and what it requires.
- Integrity
- Promise only work you have good reason to believe you can complete.
- Communication
- Ask clear questions until you understand what the task needs.
- Leadership
- Match the work to your team's skills and help them stay focused.
- Governance
- Check costs, staff, and local needs before starting a public project.
For leaders and teams
Help others understand the task before starting and check their skills. Once the work begins, help them keep their effort steady.
Something to sit with
“What do you need to understand better before taking your next step toward a goal?”