87.1 Characteristics of Enemies

 87.1 Characteristics of Enemies

Question

     Is it advisable to fight against a strong opponent or a weak opponent?

Answer:

      One should not fight against a strong enemy but to

choose the weaker one to fight.                    (Couplet – 861)

வலியார்க்கு மாறேற்றல் ஓம்புக ஓம்பா

மெலியார்மேல் மேக பகை.                       (குறள் – 861)

           

Explanation:

            Although Valluvar suggests in Couplet 861 that it is better to fight a weak enemy instead of a strong enemy, it should be remembered that Valluvar is a strong proponent of nonviolence. He would have never encouraged anyone to fight. For example, in Couplet 871, he says, “Enmity is an evil which should not be sought by anyone even for fun.” But Valluvar is also a pragmatist. He fully realizes that sometimes wars are inevitable among countries. If the enemy does not want to compromise and insists on fighting, Valluvar’s advice is not to fight the strong enemy and fight with the weak one.