There is this peculiarity about yesteryear philosophers that runs totally counter to modern culture. Whatever they suggest seems to be an indictment of current practices so much so that you could almost accuse them of being trolls. Except that it is tough to categorize them as such without also explaining how they could have had the prescience to KNOW modern practices.
Tiru, all said and done, IS a yesteryear philosopher. So, how could he be any different? Take this one for example.
Kaimmaaru vendaa kadappaadu maarimaattu enAtraankollo ulagu - Tirukkural
True benevolence seeks no recompense; what can you give the clouds in return for the life-giving rain? - Loose Translation
So, there you go. In Tiru's view, a benevolent person helps others because it is his nature to do so much like it is the nature of clouds to rain. The thought that there should be ANYTHING can be expected in return for the benevolence does not even cross the mind of such a person.
I know, I know, the cynical generally say that the benevolent person does his thing because it makes him happy to do so, therefore he is also selfish and, thus, no different from anyone else pursuing his own ideas of happiness. That's an interesting but singularly idiotic concept. I mean, yeah, the sadist gets his kicks from causing others suffering and, thus, is no different from the altruist who gets his kicks from helping others? Really?
AND are all decisions bereft of choices? I mean, like I have some money, are there not multiple things that make me happy on which I can spend it? The CHOICE of helping someone else with it is but one of them and my making THAT choice leaves me the same as the other guy who blows it up on Cocaine? What do these guys smoke really?
So, yeah, true benevolence IS laudable and seeks not to make much of its own acts. AND why is it that I say that this is against today's cultural norms?
I mean, come on, Tiru wants you to be as altruistic as rain clouds. When is the last time you saw a rain cloud posting a selfie about how it was going to rain down and save the parched land?
Exactly!
