Kural #467
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Tamil text
எண்ணித் துணிக கருமம்
துணிந்தபின் எண்ணுவம் என்பது இழுக்கு
Eṇṇit tuṇika karumam
Tuṇintapiṉ eṇṇuvam eṉpatu iḻukku
English translation
Think before you act on any matter; saying "we will think after acting" is a mistake.
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Explanation
This famous kural captures a universal truth. Deliberation must precede decision, not follow it. Those who act first and think later inevitably regret their haste. "Measure twice, cut once" expresses the same wisdom.
விளக்கம்
எந்தச் செயலையும் நன்கு யோசித்துச் செய்ய வேண்டும். செய்தபின் யோசிக்கலாம் என்பது தவறு. "தெரிந்து செயல்வகை" அதிகாரத்தில் இது முக்கியம். யோசித்துச் செய்தால் தவறுகள் குறையும்.
Word meanings
- எண்ணிeṇṇihaving thought
- துணிகtuṇikadecide
- கருமம்karumamaction/deed
- துணிந்தபின்tuṇintapiṉafter deciding
- எண்ணுவம்eṇṇuvamwe will think
- என்பதுeṉpatusaying that
- இழுக்குiḻukkufault/mistake
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two woodcutters, Arun and Bala. Arun, known for his quick axe, would fell the tallest trees without a moment's pause. He’d chop, sell, and spend, often left with empty hands. Bala, however, would first study the tree, check the wind, and plan his cuts. His work was slower, but each tree yielded the finest timber. One harsh winter, the villagers desperately needed firewood. Arun, eager for quick profit, rushed into the forest, felling trees recklessly. Many fell the wrong way, becoming useless. Others were too green to burn well. Bala, taking his time, chose the seasoned, fallen trees. His firewood, though less in quantity, sold at a premium. Arun, despite his initial haste, found himself with little to show for his efforts, while Bala prospered.