43.4 Wisdom

 43.4 Wisdom

Question:

How does a wise man behave? 

Answer:

It is part of wisdom to conform to the ways of the world.                 (Couplet - 426)            

Those who fail to conduct themselves in harmony with the

 world are ignorant despite their vast learning.                                    (Couplet - 140)

எவ்வது உறைவது உலகம் உலகத்தோடு

அவ்வ துறைவது அறிவு.                                                             (குறள் - 426) உலகத்தோடு ஒட்ட ஒழுகல் பலகற்றும்

கல்லார் அறிவிலா தார்                                                                (குறள் - 140) 

Explanation:

According to Valluvar, the mark of true wisdom is to conform to society and live in harmony with society. Of course, this does not mean that one would accept every belief that is prevalent in society and sacrifice one’s rational thinking ability. One can be a rationalist and still be a good neighbor and a good citizen. A good rationalist can agree to disagree and still live in harmony with society. The idea here is similar to the proverb, “In Rome, do as Romans do.” The following two couplets convey Valluvar’s point of view regarding the need for conformity with society.