Energy
Ullam Ilaadhavar Eydhaar Ulakaththu / Valliyam Ennunj Cherukku
Classical English couplet — “The soulless man can never gainTh' ennobling sense of power with men”
What it says in plain words
“Without the desire to give freely, people cannot truly enjoy knowing they have been generous.”
The classical Tamil reading
ஊக்கம் இல்லாதவர் இவ்வுலகில் யாம் வண்மை உடையேம் என்றுத் தம்மைத் தான் எண்ணி மகிழும் மகிழ்ச்சியை அடையமாடடார்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
அள்ளி வழங்கும் ஆர்வம் இல்லாத ஒருவர் தம்மை வள்ளல் எனப் பெருமைப்பட்டுக் கொள்ள வழியே இல்லை
The ethical and philosophical heart
The couplet links the joy of generosity with the desire to give. Wanting to give freely moves us to help others. Calling ourselves generous is not the same as sharing what we have. The joy comes from giving, not just from a name.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You gladly share your lunch with a friend who has none.
- Workplace
- You willingly give your time to help a new coworker.
- Family
- You share your savings to help a relative buy needed medicine.
- Society
- You gladly give blankets to a local shelter before winter.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- When choosing how to help, consider what you are willing to share.
- Integrity
- Let your actions support your claim to be generous.
- Communication
- Offer help you mean to give, rather than only speaking about generosity.
- Leadership
- Show a willing spirit by sharing your time and support.
- Governance
- Turn promises of public help into support that reaches people.
For leaders and teams
Let those you lead see your willingness to give and help. A generous name means little without generous actions.
Something to sit with
“What could you gladly share with someone who needs help today?”