88.1 Assessing the Enemy’s Strength
Question:
Who
is stronger among the two kinds of enemies, those who use bows and arrows and
those who use powerful words?
Answer:
A person may
incur the enmity of the warriors with bows and arrows
but never ones
who are skilled in the use of words. (Couplet – 872)
வில்லேர் உழவர் பகைகொளினும் கொள்ளற்க
சொல்லேர் உழவர் பகை. (குறள் – 872)
Explanation:
It is easier to face and deal with
a hostile army than to cope with those who use the arsenal of words as a weapon.
Napoleon Bonaparte is believed to have said that “Four hostile newspapers are
more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.” What Napoleon said is more accurate
in the modern world, where the press, television, and social media can easily
mobilize public opinion in their favor.
