Tirukural

CHAPTER 52

Testing and Employing Men

511

Employ men who discern the good and the bad in every situation and naturally choose the good.§

512

Let him do the work who can increase profits, spread prosperity and search out problems.§

513

He alone is trustworthy who fully possesses these four: kindness, intelligence, assurance and freedom from greed.§

514

Though tested fully in simulated settings, many men function differently under working conditions.§

515

Work should be entrusted to men based on their knowledge and diligence and not merely on bonds of affection.§

516

Consider the work, choose the workman, calculate the timing with care, then commence.§

517

Having decided, “This man is qualified to do this work in this way,” leave him alone to perform it.§

518

After ascertaining what work befits a man, assign him to a fitting function.§

519

Wealth withdraws from the man who refuses to acknowledge the informal friendliness his workers wish to share with him.§

520

The king should scrutinize his staff’s conduct daily. If they do not go astray, the world will not go astray.§