Friendship
Navildhorum Noolnayam Polum Payildhorum / Panputai Yaalar Thotarpu
Classical English couplet — “Learned scroll the more you ponder, Sweeter grows the mental food;So the heart by use grows fonder, Bound in friendship with the good”
What it says in plain words
“Friendship with good, kind people brings more joy as you grow closer. It is like a good book that rewards each reading.”
The classical Tamil reading
பழகப் பழக நற்பண்பு உடையவரின் நட்பு இன்பம் தருதல், நூலின் நற்பொருள் கற்கக் கற்க மேன்மேலும் இன்பம் தருதலைப் போன்றதாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
படிக்கப் படிக்க இன்பம் தரும் நூலின் சிறப்பைப் போல் பழகப் பழக இன்பம் தரக்கூடியது பண்புடையாளர்களின் நட்பு
The ethical and philosophical heart
A good book can offer something enjoyable each time you read it. Knowing a kind person better can bring that same growing joy. Over time, you notice more things to value in them. The couplet shows how good friendship grows richer with time.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Regular walks with a kind friend become something you enjoy more each week.
- Workplace
- Lunches with a thoughtful coworker become more enjoyable as you get to know each other.
- Family
- Regular talks with a caring cousin help your friendship grow warmer.
- Society
- Helping at a community garden lets you build rewarding friendships with kind neighbors.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Make time for people whose kindness you appreciate more as you know them better.
- Integrity
- Let your kindness show in everyday actions as friendships grow.
- Communication
- Keep making time for conversations that help you know good friends better.
- Leadership
- Give people regular chances to build warm, respectful connections.
- Governance
- Support community spaces where neighbors can meet often and build friendships.
For leaders and teams
Make room for good relationships to grow over time. Repeated, caring contact can make time together more enjoyable.
Something to sit with
“Which friendship brings you more joy as it grows, and how could you make time for it today?”