Deliberation before Action

Name: Deliberation before Action
Author: Thiruvalluvar

The work emphasizes the importance of careful consideration before taking action. It advocates for evaluating potential outcomes, including profits and losses, before committing to any endeavor. A leader who consults knowledgeable individuals is portrayed as capable of achieving great success. The text warns against ventures that promise high returns but may lead to significant losses, advising the wise to avoid such risks. It highlights the fear of ridicule as a motivator for thorough planning, suggesting that those who act without preparation are likely to fail. The necessity of meticulous planning in warfare is underscored, indicating that unpreparedness can lead to disastrous consequences. The work stresses that certain actions should be avoided entirely, while others must be undertaken to prevent ruin. It cautions against impulsive decisions, labeling those who act first and think later as foolish. The text asserts that even with assistance, poorly planned efforts will yield no results. It also notes that good intentions can lead to mistakes if the actions do not align with the recipient's character or needs. Ultimately, the work advocates for actions that are honorable and above reproach, as societal perception plays a significant role in one's reputation. The overarching message is that deliberation is crucial for successful outcomes, and hasty actions often lead to failure.

By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2004 · Genre: Philosophy, Self-help, Ethics · 263 words

First lines

Take into thy consideration the output and the wastage and the profit that the undertaking will yield: and then put thy hand to it.

Behold the prince who decideth upon action only after consulting with men chosen for their worth: there is nothing that is impossible for him.

There are enterprises that tempt with a great profit but which perish even the capital itself: the wise undertake them not.

Behold the men who fear to be ridiculed by others: they start not on any enterprise without previous deliberation.

What this Textopian page supports

Deliberation before Action is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thiruvalluvar, dated 2004 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: 2004 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophy, Self-help, Ethics, Leadership, Literary
Length: 263 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles

Genres

Philosophy — The text emphasizes the importance of deliberation and careful consideration before taking action, reflecting philosophical themes of wisdom and decision-making.
Self-help — The work provides practical advice on decision-making and the consequences of actions, aligning with self-help literature aimed at personal development.
Ethics — The text discusses moral considerations in actions, highlighting the ethical implications of decisions and their impact on oneself and others.
Leadership — The emphasis on consulting wise individuals and planning aligns with themes of effective leadership and strategic thinking.