Avoiding mean Associations
Nallinaththi Noongun Thunaiyillai Theeyinaththin / Allar Patuppadhooum Il
Classical English couplet — “Than good companionship no surer help we know;Than bad companionship nought causes direr woe”
What it says in plain words
“There is no better support than being with good people. There is no greater source of trouble than being with people who do harm.”
The classical Tamil reading
நல்ல இனத்தைவிடச் சிறந்ததாகிய துணையும் உலகத்தில் இல்லை, தீய இனத்தைவிடத் துன்பப்படுத்தும் பகையும் இல்லை.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
நல்ல இனத்தைக் காட்டிலும் துணையாக இருப்பதும், தீய இனத்தைக் காட்டிலும் துன்பம் தரக்கூடியதும் எதுவுமே இல்லை
The ethical and philosophical heart
The people around us can offer help or bring trouble. Friends who care can support us when life gets hard. People who lie or hurt others can bring us pain. This is why choosing our company matters in everyday life.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You spend time with friends who support you during a hard week.
- Workplace
- You seek help from coworkers who are honest and helpful.
- Family
- You help your child find friends who treat others kindly.
- Society
- You join neighbors who help people rather than threaten them.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Choose companions by how they treat you and others.
- Integrity
- Stay close to people who support honest choices.
- Communication
- Seek friends who speak kindly rather than encourage hurtful gossip.
- Leadership
- Build a team of people who help rather than harm others.
- Governance
- Choose public advisers who serve people honestly rather than seek personal gain.
For leaders and teams
Choose helpers who treat others with care and honesty. Their good company is strong support for you and those you lead.
Something to sit with
“Who brings helpful support into your life, and how could you spend more time with them?”