Seeking the Aid of Great Men
Thammir Periyaar Thamaraa Ozhukudhal / Vanmaiyu Lellaan Thalai
Classical English couplet — “To live with men of greatness that their own excels,As cherished friends, is greatest power that with a monarch dwells”
What it says in plain words
“The greatest strength is having wise, skilled people close to you. Choose people who know more than you, and learn from them.”
The classical Tamil reading
தம்மைவிட (அறிவு முதலியவற்றால் ) பெரியவர் தமக்குச் சுற்றத்தராகுமாறு நடத்தல், வல்லமை எல்லாவற்றிலும் சிறந்ததாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
அறிவு ஆற்றல் ஆகியவற்றில் தம்மைக் காட்டிலும் சிறந்த பெரியவராய் இருப்பவரோடு உறவுகொண்டு அவர்வழி நடப்பது மிகப்பெரும் வலிமையாக அமையும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
You do not need to know everything to be strong. Learning from people wiser than you is a great strength. Build close ties with people whose knowledge and skills exceed yours. Their guidance can help you handle problems at home or work.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Ask a friend who manages money well to help you plan your spending.
- Workplace
- Learn a difficult task from a coworker with more experience.
- Family
- Seek guidance from an experienced parent when family life feels difficult.
- Society
- Invite experienced local volunteers to guide a new community project.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Before choosing, seek guidance from someone who understands the problem better.
- Integrity
- Admit when someone knows more, and be willing to learn.
- Communication
- Ask clear questions and listen carefully to people with deeper knowledge.
- Leadership
- Keep people with greater knowledge and skills close, and learn from them.
- Governance
- Seek guidance from people who understand local needs before planning public services.
For leaders and teams
A strong leader welcomes people who know more than they do. Let their knowledge guide your choices, rather than relying only on yourself.
Something to sit with
“Who could you grow closer to and learn from today?”