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Part I: On Virtue

Section I: Prologue

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Chapter 47: Deliberate Before Acting

Verse 462

TAKA Presents the Tirukural

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Weaver's Wisdom

Verse 461

When action is needed, ponder what is to be gained,
what lost, and what ultimately achieved, then proceed.

Verse 462

There is nothing too difficult for a man who, before he acts,
deliberates with chosen friends and reflects privately.

Verse 463

The wise never undertake an enterprise that rashly risks
existing capital to reach for potential profits.

Verse 464

Those who dread ridicule and disgrace
will not commence any task that is unclear.

Verse 465

To sally forth without a well-conceived plan
is one way to cultivate an enemy's strength.

Verse 466

Doing what should not be done will bring ruin,
and not doing what should be done will also bring ruin.

Verse 467

Embark upon an action after careful thought. It is folly to say,
"Let us begin the task now and think about it later."

Verse 468

Any task not methodically performed may go awry,
though men in multitudes support it.

Verse 469

Even in doing good deeds a man may err
if he does not consider the recipient's unique nature.

Verse 470

Having made his plans, let a man keep his actions above blame.
The world will never approve of acts that are beneath him.