43.3 Wisdom

 43.3 Wisdom

Question:

What are some of the salient characteristics of wise people?

Answer:

Whatever be the thing and whatever be its nature, wisdom is to

find its true nature.                                                                                        (Couplet - 355)

To discern the real truth from whatever source it emanates is

the true quality of wisdom.                                                                       (Couplet - 423)                                                                                            

எப்பொருள் எத்தன்மைத் தாயினும் அப்பொருள்

மெய்ப்பொருள் காண்பது அறிவு.                                                      (குறள் – 355

எப்பொருள் யார்யார்வாய்க் கேட்பினும் அப்பொருள்

மெய்ப்பொருள் காண்ப தறிவு.                                                           (குறள் – 423)

Explanation:

According to Valluvar, an essential aspect of wisdom is rationalism. Rationalism is the practice of only believing what is based on reason. A rationalist will constantly question every hypothesis or belief and accept it only if it is based on reason. Also, a rationalist will come to conclusions by his reasoning ability and will not depend on beliefs and opinions. As a rationalist, a scientist will not accept a hypothesis unless it can be logically proven or experimentally verified. Valluvar emphasizes this idea of rationalism in Couplet 355. Also, from Couplet 355, we can see that Valluvar stresses reasoning as the true method of gaining wisdom. This rationalistic approach of relentless questioning is the one that has been responsible for all the scientific discoveries. In Couplet 423, Valluvar extends this rationalistic approach to discover the truth in any statement made by anyone.

 

Valluvar’s emphasis on rationalism is reminiscent of the Greek philosopher Socrates’ approach to seeking the truth. In Couplet 423, Valluvar encourages the individual to question all beliefs, including religious beliefs. Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is said to have told his followers not to accept anything he said unless they are convinced that his statements are consistent and logical. More recently, in the twentieth century, there was a rationalist in Tamil Nadu, the state in India in which Valluvar was born. His name was E.V. Ramasamy, who was affectionately called “Thanthai Periyar” which meant the “revered father-like person.” He challenged the caste system of the Hindus, protested against the suppression of women, fought against all superstitious beliefs, and in an iconoclastic fashion, he even smashed the statues of one of the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Through his rationalistic reform, he was able to bring about radical and irreversible changes in the Tamil society of which he was a part. Although he was a reformist, his approach was utterly non-violent with compassion towards everyone. In order to recognize E. V. Ramasamy, the United Nations Organization issued a citation which describes him as "the prophet of the new age, the Socrates of Southeast Asia, father of social reform movement and an arch-enemy of ignorance, superstitions, meaningless customs, and base manners.” His life exemplified the emphasis on rationalism referred to in the Couplets mentioned above.