Refraining from Offending the Great Ones

Name: Refraining from Offending the Great Ones
Author: Thiruvalluvar

The work emphasizes the importance of respecting those in positions of power and influence. It warns that offending powerful individuals can lead to dire consequences, including personal ruin and suffering. The text illustrates the vulnerability of the weak when they disregard the might of the strong, likening such actions to inviting disaster. It highlights that even the most seemingly secure individuals or entities can face downfall if they provoke those with spiritual or temporal authority. The narrative underscores the idea that the wrath of the mighty can lead to inevitable destruction, regardless of one's status or wealth. The text serves as a cautionary reminder that wisdom lies in heeding the counsel of the powerful and maintaining a respectful distance from actions that could incite their anger. It suggests that safety and prosperity are contingent upon the goodwill of those who wield significant influence. Ultimately, the work advocates for a life of prudence, urging individuals to navigate their relationships with the powerful carefully to avoid misfortune and ensure their own well-being. The overarching theme is the necessity of humility and respect in the face of authority, as the repercussions of offending the great can be catastrophic.

By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2000 · Genre: Philosophy, Didactic Literature, Poetry · 264 words

First lines

The greatest care of a man that looketh to his safety should be to guard himself carefully from offending the Great Ones.

If a man slighteth the Great Ones, their power will bring down on him miseries without end.

Dost thou seek thy annihilation? then close thy ears to good counsel and offer provocation to men who have the power to destroy thee when they please.

Behold the weak man slighting men of might and power: it is as if he beckoneth to the God of Death to come to him.

What this Textopian page supports

Refraining from Offending the Great Ones 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: Philosophy, Didactic Literature, Poetry, Political Commentary, Religious Literature
Length: 264 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Philosophy — The text explores themes of power, respect, and the consequences of offending those in authority, reflecting philosophical inquiries into human behavior and ethics.
Didactic Literature — The work serves as a moral lesson, instructing readers on the importance of respecting powerful figures to avoid dire consequences.
Poetry — The writing style employs poetic devices and structure, characteristic of Thiruvalluvar's work, enhancing its thematic expression.
Political Commentary — The text comments on the dynamics of power and authority, relevant to political structures and the behavior of individuals within them.