42.1 Learning Through Listening

 42.1 Learning Through Listening

Question:

Is learning through listening a good practice?

Answer:

Though not learnt, let a man listen (to the wise); that will

serve him as a staff to hold at times of distress.                                       (Couplet- 414)

The wealth of knowledge obtained through listening to others is the

greatest of all wealth.                                                                                 (Couplet - 411)

 

கற்றில னாயினுங் கேட்க அஃதொருவற்கு

ஒற்கத்தின் ஊற்றாந் துணை.                                                           (குறள் – 414)

செல்வத்துட் செல்வஞ் செவிச்செல்வம் அச்செல்வம்

செல்வத்துள் எல்லாந் தலை.                                                            (குறள் – 411)

Explanation:

             Valluvar emphasizes the importance of learning in Chapter 40 of Thirukkural. In the next chapter on Illiteracy, he strongly criticizes those who have not spent time learning through formal methods. Valluvar being a pragmatist, realizes that some people may not have had the opportunity to learn from a book or a tutor. Therefore, he suggests that if one has not learnt, he should at least learn by listening to wise people. The knowledge gained by listening to wise people will serve as a staff to lean upon in times of distress. Also, in his opinion, the wealth of knowledge gained by listening to wise people is the best of all wealth.

Throughout history, we can find several examples of counselors offering valuable advice to their kings and the kings being immensely benefitted by such advice. Akbar the Great ascended the throne of the Mogul empire of India at the young age of thirteen. It is said that Akbar could not read or write. But he had an extraordinary group of nine distinguished men who served him as his counselors, and with their help, he could rule his vast empire very successfully. Other examples of great emperors who came to power and depended on their advisors would include Peter the Great of Russia, Queen Elizabeth I of England, Alexander the Great of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon, and so on. So, the knowledge gained by listening to the wise counselors has been helpful to many rulers in the past. Even during the last century, a few chief ministers of states in India did not have much formal education. Still, with the help of their innate intelligence combined with the knowledge gained from their counselors, they were able administrators.

41.1 Illiteracy

 41.1 Illiteracy

Question:

What does Valluvar say about illiterate people?

Answer:

The illiterate people are as useless as the barren land,

which gives no yield, and they simply exist.                          (Couplet – 406)

The form and charm of one without keen, brilliant, and vast

knowledge are like those of an exquisitely made clay doll.   (Couplet – 407)

There is as much difference between the learned and the

ignorant as between human beings and beasts.                      (Couplet – 410)

 

உளரென்னும் மாத்திரையர் அல்லால் பயவாக்

களரனையர் கல்லா தவர்.                                                 (குறள் – 406)

நுண்மாண் நுழைபுலம் இல்லான் எழில்நலம்

மண்மாண் புனைபாவை யற்று.                                       (குறள் – 407)

விலங்கொடு மக்கள் அனையர் இலங்குநூல்

கற்றாரோடு ஏனை யவர்.                                                 (குறள் – 410)

Explanation:

    Valluvar employs a technique to insist on his readers to emphasize the importance of learning and gaining knowledge. His technique consists of four approaches for convincing others to accept his ideas. The first approach is to state the facts. The second approach is to differentiate the idea from other similar ideas. The third approach is to inform the other person about the beneficial consequences of following the suggested idea. The fourth approach emphasizes the negative consequences (like punishment) for not following the proposed idea. In Sanskrit, this approach is known as “Saama bhedha dhaana dhandam”. Suppose a mother has prepared food for her child and the child shows no interest in eating the food. First, the mother may tell the child to eat the food. If the child shows no interest in eating, the mother may say to the child that his brother ate the food like a good boy, and he should also do the same. If the child still refuses to eat, she may tell the child she would give him a toy or a gift if he eats the food. If the child still resists, finally, she may end up saying that she may not talk to him if he does not eat. Hopefully, one of these approaches will work, and the child may eat the food. Diplomats often use these types of approaches during their negotiations.

Valluvar uses this approach in many chapters.

 

    Valluvar wants to encourage the illiterates to learn and gain knowledge. So, he uses the technique of differentiating between the literate and illiterate. He says that the illiterate people are useless like the barren land which produces no yield, they are like a decorated doll made of clay, and they are like beasts hoping that they will realize their shortcomings. In the next chapter, he suggests that even if one has not had any formal learning, they can still benefit from listening to the learned people.

40.1 Learning

 40.1 Learning

Question:

What and how should one learn?

Answer:

Numbers and letters are the two eyes of a man.                      (Couplet – 392)

One should learn thoroughly what is worth learning and

then act in accordance with it.                                                   (Couplet – 391)

 

எண்ணென்ப ஏனை எழுத்தென்ப இவ்விரண்டும்

கண்ணென்ப வாழும் உயிர்க்கு.                                                  (குறள் – 392)

கற்க கசடறக் கற்பவை கற்றபின்

நிற்க அதற்குத் தக.                                                                      (குறள் – 391)

 

Explanation:

What one would have learnt during Valluvar’s days is entirely different from what one should learn these days. Valluvar has made a general statement that learning numbers and letters is essential, recognizing that what one should learn will change with time. Valluvar’s reference to numbers can be interpreted as his reference to science. It is customary to associate mathematics with the word numbers. Mathematics is the basis of all sciences, and science is the foundation of technology. So, by mentioning numbers, Valluvar has included all scientific disciplines. Also, reference to letters can be interpreted to imply humanities, including the study of history, philosophy and religion, modern and ancient languages and literatures, fine and performing arts, media and cultural studies, and other fields.

 

Whatever a student is supposed to learn, he should learn it thoroughly. He should not have any doubts in what he learns. He should thoroughly understand what he learns. Simply memorizing is not learning. For example, if a student fails to understand basic algebra, he will have difficulty in understanding higher algebra, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations, etc. So also, if a student fails to learn grammar, he will not be able to write meaningful sentences. Many students fail in higher-level classes because they have not understood what they have learnt in the lower-level classes. Learning more and more without understanding is like building a superstructure on top of a weak foundation. In addition to learning thoroughly, the student should also apply what he has learnt and act in accordance with it.

40.2 Learning

 40.2 Learning

Question:

What are the benefits of learning?

 

 Answer:

             Learning is supreme and everlasting wealth.

No other wealth is real wealth.                                                                (Couplet – 400)

 

Why should a man fail to learn till he dies, when to the

learned man, every country is his own and every town is his own?              (Couplet – 397)

 

The learning acquired in one birth helps a man in seven births.              (Couplet – 398)

 

கேடில் விழுச்செல்வம் கல்வி யொருவற்கு

மாடல்ல மற்றை யவை.                                                               (குறள் – 400)

யாதானும் நாடாமால் ஊராமால் என்னொருவன்

சாந்துணையுங் கல்லாத வாறு.                                                    (குறள் – 397)

ஒருமைக்கண் தான் கற்ற கல்வி ஒருவற்கு

எழுமையும் ஏமாப் புடைத்து.                                                       (குறள் – 398)

Explanation:

The wealth of learning that one has acquired is indestructible, and it cannot be taken away by others. Unlike some other forms of wealth, it does not lose its value over time. It cannot be destroyed even by acts of nature. Therefore, the benefit of learning is that the learner is in possession of a precious asset. In addition to possessing a valuable asset, the learner is welcome in many countries of the world. This is evident because millions of people who have acquired knowledge through learning migrate to other towns and countries of their choice and are welcomed wherever they go. Valluvar wonders that despite learning being an extraordinary asset, how come many people failed to gain knowledge through proper learning.

Valluvar believes that what one has learnt will be useful to him in seven successive births. The eastern religions posit that the soul is permanent and it takes many reincarnations. Valluvar’s reference to the number seven does not really mean exactly seven. When someone says he has a million questions, he does not mean that he actually has one million questions. He simply means that he has many questions. Likewise, valluvar’s reference to seven births is a reference to many births. The idea that the soul takes multiple births is questionable. Although the eastern religions believe in multiple reincarnations of the soul, the western religions do not do so. We can ignore the contradictions between the eastern and the western religions and simply interpret the term ‘seven births’ as a ‘very long time.’ This interpretation is meaningful because what one has learnt stays with him forever, perhaps except for occasional memory lapses.

 

40.3 Learning

 40.3 Learning

Question:

             What happens when learned people get together?

Answer:

To meet with joy and part with the sweet thought of meeting

again, is the learned men’s habit.                                                            (Couplet – 394)

உவப்பத் தலைக்கூடி உள்ளப் பிரிதல்

அனைத்தே புலவர் தொழில்.                                                       (குறள் – 394)

 

Explanation:

           When learned people meet, they enjoy each other’s company and exchange their ideas. When they part, they anxiously await the opportunity to meet again.

39.1 Kingship (Leadership)

 39.1 Kingship (Leadership)

Question:

Who is the best among the kings?

Answer:

He who possesses these six things, an army, citizenry, economic resources,

ministers, friends, and fortresses, is a lion among the kings.                      (Couplet – 381)

படைகுடி கூழ்அமைச்சு நட்பரண் ஆறும்

உடையான் அரசருள் ஏறு.                                                          (குறள் – 381)

Explanation:

It is evident that to be effective, a king must have an army, citizens, wealth, and council of ministers. It is an additional asset to have friends who will support him when needed. Having fortresses is also a must for his own safety and defense. It is interesting to note that what Valluvar considers important to a king also applies to a CEO of an organization. In the case of a CEO, the army could be interpreted as competent staff and the citizenry as customers. The economic resource is a common necessity both for a king as well as the CEO. Senior staff such as the vice presidents and the consultants for the CEO serve the same function as the ministers do for a king. In the case of the CEO, a friend can be interpreted as the other friendly organizations and contractors whom the CEO can count for support. Finally, in the case of the CEO, a strong legal team, and proper procedures to safeguard against a hostile takeover would be like the fortresses in the case of a king. 

39.2 Kingship (Leadership)

 39.2 Kingship (Leadership)

 

Question:

What are the qualities a king (or a leader) must possess?

 

Answer:

Never to fail in these four things, namely courage, liberality, wisdom,

and energy, is the kingly character.                                                         (Couplet – 382)           

Alertness, learning, and bravery are the three virtues that should never be

absent from the ruler of a country.                                                         (Couplet – 383)           

A king should not fail in virtue but eschew vice and should not slip from

valor but maintain his honor.                                                                   (Couplet – 384)

If the ruler is easily accessible and is not harsh in his speech, the world

would shower high praise on him.                                                           (Couplet – 386)

The world will praise and obey the king who speaks kind words and

generous in giving.                                                                                      (Couplet – 387)

If a king administers justice and protects his subjects, he will be

regarded as God.                                                                                         (Couplet – 388)

The whole world will dwell under the king's umbrella who can

bear bitter criticism.                                                                                   (Couplet – 389)           

He is the beacon among kings who has these four qualities: beneficence,

 benevolence, rectitude, and concern for the citizens.                        (Couplet – 390)

 

அஞ்சாமை ஈகை அறிவூக்கம் இந்நான்கும்

எஞ்சாமை வேந்தர்க் கியல்பு.                                                      (குறள் – 382)

தூங்காமை கல்வி துணிவுடைமை இம்மூன்றும்

நீங்கா நிலனாள் பவர்க்கு.                                                           (குறள் – 383)              

அறனிழுக்கா தல்லவை நீக்கி மறனிழுக்கா

மானம் உடைய தரசு.                                                                  (குறள் – 384)

காட்சிக் கெளியன் கடுஞ்சொல்லன் அல்லனேல்

மீக்கூறும் மன்னன் நிலம்                                                            (குறள் – 386)

இன்சொலால் ஈத்தளிக்க வல்லார்க்குத் தன்சொலால்

தான்கண் டனைத்திவ் வுலகு.                                                     (குறள் – 387)

முறைசெய்து காப்பாற்றும் மன்னவன் மக்கட்கு

இறையென்று வைக்கப் படும்.                                                    (குறள் – 388)

செவிகைப்பச் சொற்பொறுக்கும் பண்புடை வேந்தன்

கவிகைக்கீழ்த் தங்கும் உலகு.                                                      (குறள் – 389)

கொடையளி செங்கோல் குடியோம்பல் நான்கும்

உடையானாம் வேந்தர்க்கு ஒளி.                                                            (குறள் – 390)

 

Explanation:

In the couplets above, Valluvar mentions twenty-one qualities that are applicable to a king (or a leader). Some of them can be considered essential for a king (or a leader), and others can be regarded as desirable qualities for a king (or a leader). The essential qualities are those qualities which, according to Valluvar, every king (or a leader) must possess. The desirable qualities may not be essential for a king (or a leader). But if a king (or a leader) has the desirable qualities, he will be considered an outstanding king (or a leader).

 

The following 10 qualities are considered essential for a king (or a leader): 1) courage, 2) liberality, 3) wisdom, 4) energy, 5) alertness, 6) learning, 7) bravery, 8) virtue, 9) avoiding vice, 10) maintaining honor without sacrificing courage.

 

             The following eleven qualities are considered desirable qualities for a king (or a leader): 1) easily accessible, 2) not speaking harsh words, 3) speaking kind words, 4) generous, 5) administering justice, 6) protecting citizens, 7) bearing bitter criticism, 8) beneficence, 9) benevolence, 10) rectitude, and 11) concern for the citizens.    

 

For a more detailed discussion of the qualities of a king (or a leader), please refer to the following blogs of the author:

 

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3843724419421471955/7035456097511603602

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3788500924819154109/7996533846131088699

 

 

39.3 Kingship (Leadership)

 39.3 Kingship (Leadership)

Question:

What are the duties of a king?

Answer:

He is a king who can produce and acquire wealth,

guard and distribute it.                                                 (Couplet – 385)

இயற்றலும் ஈட்டலுங் காத்தலும் காத்த

வகுத்தலும் வல்ல தரசு.                                                                (குறள் – 385)

Explanation:

           In the olden days, a king would invade another country and confiscate that country’s wealth. In modern democracies, the leader of a country is likely to produce wealth by encouraging the businesses and industries in his country to increase production and develop new products and aggressively market them to citizens of his country and other countries. The increased revenue from the sale of more products will increase the wealth of a country. The leader should also ensure that the wealth is appropriately protected and saved. Lastly, the country's wealth should be equitably distributed for various projects and its citizens' welfare.

           In the case of a CEO of an organization, he can produce wealth by increasing sales of existing products and developing new products. He can acquire new wealth by acquiring other companies. He should guard his company against being acquired by other companies. Lastly, he should distribute the company's resources equitably for the various departments.