The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 54
CHAPTER 54
GUARDING AGAINST INSOUCIANCE
531. Worse than excessive rage is the unguardedness that cometh of self-complacency.
532. A false sense of security killeth glory even as indigence cursheth the understanding.
533. Glory is not for the unwatchful: that is the conclusion of every school of thinkers in the world.
534. Of what use are fortresses to the cowardly? or abundance of resources to the incautious ?
535. He who faileth to guard against everything beforehand will deplore his negligence when he is surprised by disaster.
536. If thou relax not in thy vigilance at all times and against all men, there is nothing like it.
537. Nothing is impossible to the man who can bring unto his work a mind that is ever wakeful and cautious.
538. The prince shall devote himself assiduously to works that are commended by the wise: if he neglect them he will suffer in all his future births.
539. When thou art tempted to be self-complacent and elated, call to thy kind those that have perished by their supineness.
540. Verily it is easy for a man to achieve all that he desireth, provided he keepeth his purpose constantly before his mind.
