Unforgetfulness
Achcha Mutaiyaarkku Aranillai Aangillai / Pochchaap Putaiyaarkku Nanku
Classical English couplet — “'To cowards is no fort's defence'; e'en soThe self-oblivious men no blessing know”
What it says in plain words
“Strong walls cannot help someone whose fear stops them from acting. Likewise, a good position cannot help someone who forgets important duties.”
The classical Tamil reading
உள்ளத்தில் அச்சம் உடையவர்க்குப் புறத்திலே அரண் இருந்து பயன் இல்லை, அதுபோல் மறதி உடையவர்க்கு நல்ல நிலை வாய்த்தும் பயன் இல்லை.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
பயத்தினால் நடுங்குகிறவர்களுக்குத் தம்மைச் சுற்றிப் பாதுகாப்புக்கான அரண் கட்டப்பட்டிருந்தாலும் எந்தப் பயனுமில்லை அதைப் போலவே என்னதான் உயர்ந்த நிலையில் இருந்தாலும் மறதி உடையவர்களுக்கு அந்த நிலையினால் எந்தப் பயனுமில்லை
The ethical and philosophical heart
The couplet compares fear with forgetting what needs attention. Fear can stop someone from using the protection around them. Forgetting can waste the benefits of a good position. At home or work, remembering what matters helps us use what we have.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You set a reminder so you use your booked health check.
- Workplace
- A skilled worker checks deadlines so important tasks are not forgotten.
- Family
- A parent remembers to collect a child at the agreed time.
- Society
- Volunteers check opening times so a community food store serves people as planned.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Check your existing duties before taking on a new task.
- Integrity
- Write down your promises so you remember to keep them.
- Communication
- Send a clear reminder when others depend on a shared plan.
- Leadership
- Review important tasks instead of assuming your position will make things happen.
- Governance
- Track public service deadlines so available funds lead to useful work.
For leaders and teams
A title alone cannot make your leadership useful. Remember and follow through on the duties others trust you with.
Something to sit with
“What important duty needs your attention today, and what could help you remember it?”