Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
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Chapter - 47 : Acting after Due Consideration
 

Translation(s)

Weigh these – expenditure, return, profit of the deed in times to come. Then proceed to the act.

 

Translation(s)

Deliberate with chosen friends, then use your private thought, then act. All works are wrought with ease by those who thus proceed.

 

Translation(s)

To risk one’s all and lose, aiming at added gain, is rash affair from which the wise refrain.

Explanation

This is about risk management. Thiru-valluvar is telling us what amounts to unwarranted risk:

If I have something and I risk the whole of it to add a bit to it, then I am being rash. I am being rash because there is a possibility that I will lose what I now possess. This degree of risk is unwarranted.

Translation(s)

They, who fear reproachful scorn, do not begin a work of which issue is not clear.

Explanation

Issue could mean reason, purpose, or result.

Translation(s)

To rise against your foe with plans not well matured is a way to plant him out where he is sure to grow.

Explanation

Rise against your foe only when your plans against him are matured. Doing so prematurely alerts him and he will surely take action to grow in strength.

I should quote from Sun Tzu’s Art of War.

Translation(s)

It is ruin if man does an unbefitting thing. To leave undone fit things will bring equal ruin.

Explanation

"The good that I want to do, I do not do. But the bad that I do not want to do, I do."
- Jesus, Bible, Romans 7:19

"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone."
- Lin Yu Tang

Translation(s)

Think and then dare the deed. Those who cry: “Deed dared, we’ll think,” shall be disgraced.

Explanation

“Look before you leap,” is an old proverb. “Plan, Do, Check;” is one the fundamental principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) as taught by Deming in Japan. This verse says the same thing.

Translation(s)

If men toil and strive on no right system; though many men assist, no work can thrive.

Explanation

Kings should follow the right system. Otherwise success will elude him.

Translation(s)

Though the work is done well, yet one mistake is made when no regard is paid to habitudes of various men.

Explanation

Pay attention to constitution or characteristic condition of various men. This is not very clear.

Translation(s)

Plan and perform no work that others may despise. That which is unbecoming for a king the world will not approve as wise.

 

Summary Note

The general advice is to think and then act. Importance of planning and morality are emphasized.

A Family: Forgive us Saint - No excuses for not learning 'Thirukkural'.
Thiruvalluvar Memorial (133 Feet, 7000 Tonnes), Kanyakumari,India
Credit: Selvanambi, Flickr

References