Absence of Terrorism
Arunjevvi Innaa Mukaththaan Perunjelvam / Peeykan Tannadhu Utaiththu
Classical English couplet — “Whom subjects scarce may see, of harsh forbidding countenance;His ample wealth shall waste, blasted by demon's glance”
What it says in plain words
“When a wealthy person is hard to reach and looks unfriendly, their wealth brings fear rather than comfort.”
The classical Tamil reading
எளிதில் காணமுடியாத அருமையும், இனிமையற்ற முகமும் உடையவனது பெரிய செல்வம், பேய் கண்டு காத்திருப்பதைப் போன்ற தன்மையுடையது.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
யாரும் எளிதில் காண முடியாதவனாகவும், கடுகடுத்த முகத்துடனும் இருப்பவனிடம் குவிந்துள்ள பெரும் செல்வம் பேய்த் தோற்றம் எனப்படும் அஞ்சத்தகும் தோற்றமேயாகும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
The couplet compares such wealth to treasure guarded by a ghost. People fear coming near, even when they need help. Wealth offers little comfort when its owner shuts people out. The lesson is to be easy to approach, not just rich or powerful.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You greet a neighbor warmly when they come to borrow something.
- Workplace
- A manager makes time for questions without looking annoyed.
- Family
- A parent listens calmly when a child asks for school supplies.
- Society
- A community fund organizer welcomes people who come to ask for help.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Before setting visiting hours, consider how easily people can reach you.
- Integrity
- Make your offer of help real by being available to listen.
- Communication
- Use a calm voice and a welcoming face when people approach.
- Leadership
- Set aside time for people who need to speak with you.
- Governance
- Make public offices easy to contact and welcoming to visitors.
For leaders and teams
People need more than the help you could offer. Make it safe to approach you through your expression and availability.
Something to sit with
“What could you change today to help someone feel more comfortable approaching you?”