54.1 Against Forgetfulness from excessive joy

 54.1 Against Forgetfulness from excessive joy

Question:

What is worse than excessive anger?

Answer:

Worse than excessive anger is the neglect that

arises from excessive joy.                                            (Couplet – 531)

இறந்த வெகுளியின் தீதே சிறந்த

உவகை மகிழ்ச்சியிற் சோர்வு.                                      (குறள் – 531)

Explanation:

         Anger has many consequences. Those who frequently become angry may develop serious health issues, including high blood pressure. Also, anger may affect relationships with friends and relatives. Forgetfulness is a common occurrence in the lives of most people. But the forgetfulness referenced by Valluvar in couplet 531 is the negligence of duty due to excessive indulgence in joyful activities. For example, if a king indulges excessively in regal pleasures, music, fine arts, and sex, he is likely to neglect to protect himself and his country. The famous anecdote about the Roman emperor Nero fiddling while Rome was burning is an example of neglecting to do one’s duty. If an individual engages in drugs and alcohol, he is likely to neglect his duties. The consequence of this type of negligence will be more severe than the ones from excessive anger.