Kural #511
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Tamil text
நன்மையும் தீமையும் நாடி
நலம்புரிந்த தன்மையான் ஆளப் படும்
Naṉmaiyum tīmaiyum nāṭi
Nalampurinta taṉmaiyāṉ āḷap paṭum
English translation
One who examines both good and evil outcomes and chooses what is beneficial should be employed.
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Explanation
An ideal employee can foresee both positive and negative consequences of actions and naturally inclines toward the beneficial path. Such judgment is invaluable in any responsible position.
விளக்கம்
நன்மை தீமை ஆராய்ந்து, எது லாபமோ அதைத் தேர்ந்தெடுப்பவரையே வேலைக்கு அமர்த்தணும். இந்த அதிகாரம் 'தெரிந்து வினையாடல்' என்பது. ஒருத்தர் நல்ல முடிவெடுத்தா, அது நாட்டுக்கு நல்லது.
Word meanings
- நன்மையும்naṉmaiyumgood/benefit
- தீமையும்tīmaiyumevil/harm
- நாடிnāṭiexamining/seeking
- நலம்nalamwelfare/good
- புரிந்தpurintaunderstanding/inclined
- தன்மையான்taṉmaiyāṉone of that nature
- ஆளப்படும்āḷappaṭumshould be employed
Story behind this kural
The King sought a new advisor. Two candidates presented themselves. The first, a renowned orator, spoke eloquently of grand plans and swift victories. He promised to fill the royal coffers and expand the kingdom’s borders. The King, swayed by his charm, almost appointed him. The second candidate, a quiet man named Arul, spoke plainly. He acknowledged the potential benefits of war, but also outlined the sacrifices: the loss of life, the economic strain. He detailed a less glamorous, but steadier, path of building alliances and fostering trade, emphasizing long-term prosperity over immediate gains. The King, initially disappointed by Arul’s lack of fanfare, listened intently. He realized Arul had considered not just the glories, but also the potential pitfalls. He saw the path Arul described might be slower, yet more enduring. The King chose Arul. Years later, the kingdom flourished. While neighboring lands battled and crumbled, the kingdom, under Arul's guidance, stood strong.