Not Envying
Ozhukkaaraak Kolka Oruvandhan Nenjaththu / Azhukkaaru Ilaadha Iyalpu
Classical English couplet — “As 'strict decorum's' laws, that all men bind,Let each regard unenvying grace of mind”
What it says in plain words
“Make living without jealousy a rule for your everyday life. Do not resent others for the good things they have.”
The classical Tamil reading
ஒருவன் தன் நெஞ்சில் பொறாமை இல்லாமல் வாழும் இயல்பைத் தனக்கு உரிய ஒழுக்க நெறியாகக் கொண்டு போற்ற வேண்டும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
மனத்தில் பொறாமையில்லாமல் வாழும் இயல்பை ஒழுக்கத்திற்குரிய நெறியாகப் பெற்று விளங்கிட வேண்டும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Good behavior includes how we feel about other people's success. The couplet asks us to make room for others to do well. A friend's good news need not become a reason for bitterness. We can work toward our own goals without resenting theirs.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- When a friend buys a better phone, enjoy yours without resenting theirs.
- Workplace
- Congratulate a coworker who earns praise instead of finding faults with them.
- Family
- Celebrate your sister's success without comparing her life with yours.
- Society
- Welcome a neighbor's growing business without wishing it would fail.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Choose your next step based on your needs, not jealousy of someone else's life.
- Integrity
- Treat people fairly even when they have something you want.
- Communication
- Speak kindly about someone's success instead of making it sound less important.
- Leadership
- Give others credit without feeling that their success makes you smaller.
- Governance
- Judge community projects by their value, not jealousy toward those who proposed them.
For leaders and teams
Make fairness without jealousy part of how you lead each day. Recognize good work even when someone else receives more praise.
Something to sit with
“How could you welcome someone else's success while caring for your own goals today?”