Unforgetfulness
Munnurak Kaavaadhu Izhukkiyaan Thanpizhai / Pinnooru Irangi Vitum
Classical English couplet — “To him who nought foresees, recks not of anything,The after woe shall sure repentance bring”
What it says in plain words
“If you fail to prepare for possible trouble, you may regret your mistake when it arrives.”
The classical Tamil reading
வரும் இடையூறுகளை முன்னே அறிந்துக் காக்காமல் மறந்து சோர்ந்தவன், பின்பு அவை வந்துற்றபோது தன் பிழையை நினைத்து இரங்குவான்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
முன்கூட்டியே சிந்தித்துத் தன்னைக் காத்துக் கொள்ளத் தவறியவன், துன்பம் வந்தபிறகு தன் பிழையை எண்ணிக் கவலைப்பட நேரிடும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Some problems give us a chance to prepare beforehand. Ignoring them can leave us without help when trouble comes. Later, we may feel sorry about what we failed to do. The lesson is to prepare before trouble arrives, rather than wait for regret.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You save a little money each month for unexpected bills.
- Workplace
- You keep a spare copy of important files before your computer fails.
- Family
- You fix a loose step before someone gets hurt.
- Society
- A town clears blocked drains before the rainy season begins.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Consider what could go wrong before choosing your next step.
- Integrity
- Take responsibility for risks you notice instead of ignoring them.
- Communication
- Tell others about possible problems while there is still time to prepare.
- Leadership
- Help your team prepare for problems before they interrupt the work.
- Governance
- Maintain roads and bridges before damage puts people at risk.
For leaders and teams
A good leader makes time to notice risks and prepare. Small steps today can prevent trouble and regret later.
Something to sit with
“What possible problem in your life could you prepare for today?”