You know, there are some words that automatically link themselves in your mind with certain type of jobs. Like this 'impartiality'. You automatically think of it as associated with 'judges' and, by and large, you care two hoots about someone preaching to you about how judges can succeed. After all, issues relating to other people very seldom interest us; it is OUR success that we care about.
But then, is it really true? When Tiru says this, does he mean the advice to apply only to those who are sitting as judges to uphold the law?
Keduvalyaan enbadhu ariga than nenjam naduvoreei alla seyin - Tirukkural
Know that you are headed to destruction when first you decide to be partial rather than fair - Loose Translation
At first sight, it does seem like it is all about judges though you are not quite sure that, in this day and age, impartiality will lead to success for them. But is that really true?
You are the CEO, let us say, of a tech start-up. There are a few bright chaps working with you and you are in a discussion about a minor modification of your APP. Now the guy whom you like comes up with a sub-optimal idea and the guy you do not really take to comes with an optimal solution. Because the issue it not serious and because you want to take down the latter a peg or two you choose the sub-optimal version. What ensues?
The other chap may quit or stay put. Your group as a whole gets the idea in their heads that there is no point suggesting alternatives when your pet has put forth a suggestion. Especially true if the same thing happens a few times OR your pet is your nephew or some such or both. Slowly you end up getting only suboptimal solutions to ALL your issues. AND therein lies the 'heading to destruction'.
You can play that tale out in multiple other scenarios and will find that it heads the same way UNLESS you keep your biases under strict control.
Tiru does not say that it happens just because you act biased. Bias is inevitable if you are human. But bias should not blind you to facts; ONLY to interpretation of facts. So, Tiru predicts destruction only when you KNOWINGLY opt for the wrong choice by choosing to act in a biased manner. What doing that also implies is that you have prioritized your biases over success. And if THAT does not lead to destruction, what will?
