Veracity
Poiyaamai Anna Pukazhillai Eyyaamai / Ellaa Aramun Tharum
Classical English couplet — “No praise like that of words from falsehood free;This every virtue yields spontaneously”
What it says in plain words
“Nothing earns greater respect than living without telling lies. A truthful life naturally brings every kind of goodness.”
The classical Tamil reading
ஒருவனுக்கு பொய் இல்லாமல் வாழ்தலை விடப் புகழ் நிலை வேறொன்றும் இல்லை, அஃது அவன் அறியாமலேயெ அவனுக்கு எல்லா அறமும் கொடுக்கும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
பொய் இல்லாமல் வாழ்வது போன்ற புகழ் மிக்க வாழ்வு வேறு எதுவுமில்லை; என்றும் நீங்காத அறவழி நலன்களை அளிப்பது அந்த வாழ்வேயாகும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
The couplet praises a truthful life above every other source of respect. Living without lies also helps other good habits grow naturally. You can admit mistakes instead of hiding them with excuses. Over time, this way of living brings lasting goodness.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You admit losing a borrowed book instead of making up a story.
- Workplace
- You report a mistake honestly, even when nobody else noticed it.
- Family
- You tell your family what you spent instead of hiding a purchase.
- Society
- You describe only what you witnessed when reporting a local problem.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Choose the option you can explain without telling a lie.
- Integrity
- Keep telling the truth, even when a lie might protect your image.
- Communication
- Say what you know, and be clear about what you do not know.
- Leadership
- Admit your own mistakes rather than blaming someone else.
- Governance
- Share accurate public spending figures, even when they reveal mistakes.
For leaders and teams
Build respect through honesty in daily life, not a perfect image. Let others see you tell the truth about your mistakes.
Something to sit with
“Where in your life today could you be more truthful?”