Avoiding mean Associations
Nilaththiyalpaal Neerdhirin Thatraakum Maandharkku / Inaththiyalpa Thaakum Arivu
Classical English couplet — “The waters' virtues change with soil through which they flow;As man's companionship so will his wisdom show”
What it says in plain words
“Water changes with the soil it flows through. In the same way, our thinking changes with the people around us.”
The classical Tamil reading
சேர்ந்த நிலத்தின் இயல்பால் அந்த நீர் வேறுபட்டு அந் நிலத்தின் தன்மையுடையதாகும், அதுபோல் மக்களுடைய அறிவு இனத்தின் இயல்பினை உடையதாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
சேர்ந்த நிலத்தின் தன்மையால் நீரானது வேறுபட்டு அந்த நிலத்தின் தன்மையை அடைந்துவிடும் அதுபோல மக்களின் அறிவும், தாங்கள் சேர்ந்த இனத்தின் தன்மையைப் பெற்றதாகிவிடும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
The people we spend time with help shape our thinking. Their ways of speaking and acting can become familiar habits. Over time, the company we keep shapes us. Choosing thoughtful, honest friends can help us make better choices.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Spending time with friends who save money helps you rethink careless spending.
- Workplace
- Working with honest coworkers makes it easier to admit mistakes.
- Family
- Children hear adults speaking kindly and learn to speak that way.
- Society
- Neighbors who help each other encourage more people to join in.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Notice how the people around you influence your choices.
- Integrity
- Spend time with people who tell the truth, even when it is hard.
- Communication
- Choose company that encourages kind words rather than hurtful talk.
- Leadership
- Build a team where people learn good habits from one another.
- Governance
- Choose public advisers who encourage honest thinking and care for others.
For leaders and teams
The people you bring together help shape everyone's thinking. Build a circle of good examples through your own actions and choices.
Something to sit with
“How are the people you spend time with shaping your thinking today?”