Energy
Ullam Utaimai Utaimai Porulutaimai / Nillaadhu Neengi Vitum
Classical English couplet — “The wealth of mind man owns a real worth imparts,Material wealth man owns endures not, utterly departs”
What it says in plain words
“The will to keep trying is your lasting wealth. Money and belongings can disappear.”
The classical Tamil reading
ஒருவர்க்கு ஊக்கமுடைமையே நிலையான உடைமையாகும், மற்றப் பொருளுடைமையானது நிலைபேறு இல்லாமல் நீங்கிவிடுவதாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
ஊக்கம் எனும் ஒரு பொருளைத் தவிர, வேறு எதனையும் நிலையான உடைமை என்று கூற இயலாது
The ethical and philosophical heart
Money can support you, but it may not stay. The couplet calls the will to keep trying your true wealth. When money is lost, that will helps you begin again. It matters to care for this strength, not just your belongings.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- After losing savings, you keep working toward a fresh start.
- Workplace
- When a project loses funding, you keep looking for ways forward.
- Family
- When money is tight, you encourage each other to keep trying.
- Society
- After a storm damages shared spaces, neighbors work together to rebuild.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Consider what you can keep working toward, not just what you can buy.
- Integrity
- Value your honest effort more than the appearance of wealth.
- Communication
- Remind someone facing money troubles that their ability to keep trying still matters.
- Leadership
- Help people keep trying when money or supplies run short.
- Governance
- Support people's efforts to rebuild their lives after financial loss.
For leaders and teams
Help others build the will to keep trying. Value that strength, not just the money they bring.
Something to sit with
“What helps you keep trying when money or belongings are lost?”