Complaisance by Thiruvalluvar (2000)
The work emphasizes the virtue of graciousness and the importance of selfless acts. It illustrates that true generosity is not contingent on receiving something in return, likening it to the rain-cloud that nourishes the earth without expectation. The text highlights that the efforts of the worthy are ultimately for the benefit of others, reinforcing the idea that a life lived with consideration for others is the most fulfilling. It draws parallels between the wise and prosperous individual and natural elements, such as a village tank filled with water or a fruit-bearing tree, symbolizing abundance and the positive impact of wealth when held by those with a generous spirit. The text suggests that true wealth lies in the ability to help others, and that a person who understands what is fitting and just is truly alive, while those who lack this understanding are akin to the dead. The narrative acknowledges that even in times of hardship, those who are aware of justice and propriety continue to assist others. It posits that a person who is genuinely complaisant feels impoverished only when they are unable to help those in need. The work concludes with the notion that even if self-sacrifice leads to personal ruin, the act of being obliging is noble and worth pursuing, emphasizing the profound value of altruism in human interactions.
By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2000 · Genre: Philosophical, Didactic, Poetry · 214 words
First lines
The gracious expect no return when they oblige: how ever can the world repay the rain-cloud?
The substance gathered in by the worthy by the labour of their hands is all for others' use.
A better thing than a gracious complaisance cannot be had either here or in heaven.
He alone liveth who knoweth what is proper: he who knoweth not what is fitting shall be classed with the dead.
What this Textopian page supports
Complaisance is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thiruvalluvar, dated 2000 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thiruvalluvar
- Date: 2000 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical, Didactic, Poetry, Religious, Sociological
- Length: 214 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Complaisance by Thiruvalluvar
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Complaisance?
- How does this essay by Thiruvalluvar fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Conceited Folly by Thiruvalluvar
- The Glorification Of Righteousness by Thiruvalluvar
- Refraining From Offending The Great Ones by Thiruvalluvar
- Bouderie by Thiruvalluvar
- The Country by Thiruvalluvar
- Tapas by Thiruvalluvar
Genres
- Philosophical — The text explores deep moral and ethical themes related to generosity, selflessness, and the nature of human relationships.
- Didactic — The work serves an instructional purpose, imparting lessons on the value of complaisance and the importance of helping others.
- Poetry — The writing style is poetic, employing metaphor and imagery to convey its messages.
- Religious — The themes reflect moral teachings that align with spiritual and religious values regarding altruism and community.
Tags
Philosophical · Poetic · Tamil Literature · Ancient Indian Texts · Ethics · Morality · Social Commentary · Cultural Significance · Spiritual Growth · Self-Improvement · Moral Guidance · Wisdom