Renown
Pukazhpata Vaazhaadhaar Thannovaar Thammai / Ikazhvaarai Novadhu Evan?
Classical English couplet — “If you your days will spend devoid of goodly fame,When men despise, why blame them? You've yourself to blame”
What it says in plain words
“If our actions do not earn respect, why blame those who criticize us? We should look at our own behavior instead.”
The classical Tamil reading
தமக்குப் புகழ் உண்டாகுமாறு வாழமுடியாதவர் தம்மைத் தாம் நொந்து கொள்ளாமல் தம்மை இகழ்கின்றவரை நொந்து கொள்ளக் காரணம் என்ன?
An expanded Tamil interpretation
உண்மையான புகழுடன் வாழ முடியாதவர்கள், அதற்காகத் தம்மை நொந்து கொள்ள வேண்டுமே தவிரத் தமது செயல்களை இகழ்ந்து பேசுகிறவர்களை நொந்து கொள்வது எதற்காக?
The ethical and philosophical heart
Respect grows from how we live, not from demanding praise. When criticism points to our poor behavior, blaming others changes nothing. The useful first step is to look at our own actions. This helps us see what we need to change.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- After breaking a promise, you admit your mistake instead of blaming your disappointed friend.
- Workplace
- When coworkers complain about your late work, you improve your planning instead of arguing.
- Family
- When your children complain that you never listen, you put down your phone and hear them.
- Society
- When neighbors criticize your littering, you clean up instead of getting angry.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Before reacting to criticism, check whether your own choices caused the problem.
- Integrity
- Admit your mistakes rather than blame people who point them out.
- Communication
- Discuss the mistake honestly instead of attacking the person who raised it.
- Leadership
- Earn your team's respect through your actions rather than demanding praise.
- Governance
- Public officials should address their failures rather than blame citizens who criticize them.
For leaders and teams
When others criticize your conduct, check your own actions first. Show how to accept mistakes and change your behavior.
Something to sit with
“What recent criticism could help you see something you need to change?”