Friendship
Punarchchi Pazhakudhal Ventaa Unarchchidhaan / Natpaang Kizhamai Tharum
Classical English couplet — “Not association constant, not affection's token bind;'Tis the unison of feeling friends unites of kindred mind”
What it says in plain words
“Friendship does not require a long history or frequent meetings. Understanding each other and sharing feelings can be enough.”
The classical Tamil reading
நட்புச் செய்வதற்குத் தொடர்பும் பழக்கமும் வேண்டியதில்லை, ஒத்த உணர்ச்சியே நட்பு ஏற்படுத்துவதற்கு வேண்டிய உரிமையைக் கொடுக்கும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
இருவருக்கிடையே நட்புரிமை முகிழ்ப்பதற்கு ஏற்கனவே தொடர்பும் பழக்கமும் வேண்டுமென்பதில்லை இருவரின் ஒத்த மன உணர்வே போதுமானது
The ethical and philosophical heart
You do not need years together to become friends. Sometimes, a new person understands what matters to you. That sense of understanding each other can begin a friendship. Time spent together is not the only thing that makes people close.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You feel close to someone new who understands your worries.
- Workplace
- Two new coworkers become friends when they discover similar hopes.
- Family
- You understand a cousin you rarely meet and begin a friendship.
- Society
- Neighbors meeting for the first time connect through shared care for their community.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Look beyond how long you have known someone when choosing friends.
- Integrity
- Be honest about your feelings so others can know you.
- Communication
- Listen to understand what matters to the other person.
- Leadership
- Make room for new people to share their thoughts and feelings.
- Governance
- Give new residents a chance to share concerns alongside longtime residents.
For leaders and teams
Help people understand each other better, rather than only arranging more meetings. Give new members a chance to connect with others.
Something to sit with
“Who understands what matters to you, even though you rarely meet?”