Page:The Kural or The Maxims Of Tiruvalluvar.pdf/200

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PART II WEALTH
 

CHAPTER 68

THE CONDUCT OF AFFAIRS

671. The end of all deliberation is to arrive at a decision : and when a decision is come to, it is wrong to delay the execution thereof.

672. Do with deliberation those things that ought to be done in a leisurely way : but put not off even for a moment those things that require prompt action.

673. Go straight for the goal whenever circumstances permit: but when circumstances are against, follow along the path that offereth the least resistance.

674. Uncompleted work and enemies that are left unsubdued are like unextinguished sparks of fire : they will grow betimes and overwhelm the perfunctory man.

675. Five things should be carefully considered in the doing of all action, namely, the resources in band, the instrument, the nature of the action itself, the proper time and the proper place for its execution.

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