Compassion
Arutchelvam Selvaththul Selvam Porutchelvam / Pooriyaar Kannum Ula
Classical English couplet — “Wealth 'mid wealth is wealth 'kindliness';Wealth of goods the vilest too possess”
What it says in plain words
“Kindness is the greatest wealth a person can have. Even cruel people can own money and many things.”
The classical Tamil reading
பொருள்களாகிய செல்வங்கள் இழிந்தவரிடத்திலும் உள்ளன; (உயர்ந்தவரிடத்தில் மட்டுமே உள்ள) அருளாகிய செல்வமே செல்வங்களில் சிறந்த செல்வமாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
கொடிய உள்ளம் கொண்ட இழிமக்களிடம்கூடக் கோடிக்கணக்கில் செல்வம் குவிந்திருக்கலாம்; ஆனாலும் அந்தச் செல்வம் அருட் செல்வத்துக்கு ஈடாகாது
The ethical and philosophical heart
Money tells us what someone owns, not how they treat others. A rich person may still hurt people or ignore their needs. Kindness matters more than riches because it means caring about others. At home or work, value people for their care, not their money.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You listen to a struggling friend, even when you cannot offer money.
- Workplace
- You value a helpful coworker more than an expensive watch.
- Family
- You thank a relative for their care, not just their gifts.
- Society
- Neighbors value someone who helps others, even though that person owns little.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Look at how someone treats people, not just what they own.
- Integrity
- Do not let having money excuse treating someone badly.
- Communication
- Speak with care to people, whatever their income.
- Leadership
- Value people who notice others' needs and offer help.
- Governance
- Judge public leaders by their care for people, not their personal wealth.
For leaders and teams
Make care for people central to how you lead. Value kindness in your group more than money or possessions.
Something to sit with
“How could you give more value to kindness in your life today?”