Curated 004: Two Steps to Build Emotional Intelligence

Thirukkural’s timeless Kurals on self-awareness, calmness, empathy & resilience—ancient wisdom for Emotional Intelligence.

குறள் 3  (To check)





குறள் 389
செவிகைப்பச் சொற்பொறுக்கும் பண்புடை வேந்தன்
கவிகைக்கீழ்த் தங்கும் உலகு

குறள் 394
உவப்பத் தலைக்கூடி உள்ளப் பிரிதல்
அனைத்தே புலவர் தொழில்

குறள் 403
கல்லா தவரும் நனிநல்லர் கற்றார்முன்
சொல்லா திருக்கப் பெறின்.

குறள் 411
செல்வத்துட் செல்வஞ் செவிச்செல்வம் அச்செல்வம்
செல்வத்து ளெல்லாந் தலை

குறள் 421
அறிவற்றங் காக்குங் கருவி செறுவார்க்கும்
உள்ளழிக்க லாகா அரண்.








Greatness sets a prudent boundary (அஞ்சும்/anchum) from low-character circles, while smallness adopts smallness as kin (சுற்றம்/sutram) and becomes enclosed by it.
Why EI? It aligns with emotional intelligence through self-regulation and social awareness—compassionate boundary-setting, discerning company selection, and resisting toxic norms to protect one’s values and identity.

A person’s wisdom arises from their own mind, but how the world perceives them depends on the company they keep.
Why EI? This Kural reflects self-awareness and social awareness—the twin pillars of emotional intelligence—showing that inner clarity must harmonize with the relationships that shape one’s outer identity.

A person’s wisdom is not judged by thoughts alone but by the nature of the companions they keep.
Why EI? It belongs to emotional intelligence because understanding and choosing the right company requires self-awareness, social awareness, and the ability to manage emotional influence within relationships.

A pure mind and pure actions arise naturally from the purity of one’s company.
Why EI? It belongs to emotional intelligence because our emotional clarity and self-regulation are deeply shaped by the moods, values, and emotional tone of those we surround ourselves with.

A clear mind sustains life, and noble company uplifts reputation.
Why EI? It aligns with emotional intelligence because it teaches self-awareness and social discernment — managing one’s inner state and choosing relationships that nurture balance and harmony.

Purity of mind leads to lasting good, but that goodness remains secure only in the shelter of noble company.
Why EI? This Kural highlights social self-regulation—the awareness that emotional and moral stability depend on surrounding oneself with people who reinforce clarity, empathy, and discipline. It reflects the EI principle that environment shapes sustained inner balance and ethical decision-making.

True strength lies in choosing good company that uplifts, for no support equals it; and no misery equals the downfall caused by bad company.
Why EI? This Kural reflects emotional awareness and social regulation — recognizing how relationships shape one’s mindset, choices, and resilience, the very core of emotional intelligence.
Before beginning any action, one must weigh its losses, gains, right means, and results, and act only after thoughtful deliberation.
Why EI?
This Kural reflects emotional intelligence by urging awareness before action — mastering impulse, regulating emotion, and making decisions through calm reasoning rather than haste or desire.

The wise never act for profit if it risks losing their foundation or well-being.
Why EI? It reflects emotional regulation and self-awareness — the ability to pause, evaluate consequences, and avoid impulsive choices that harm long-term stability.

The wise do not begin an act without clarity, for those who fear moral fault more than failure act only after thoughtful discernment.
Why EI? This Kural reflects self-awareness and emotional regulation—the ability to pause, assess, and act with integrity rather than impulse, which lies at the heart of emotional intelligence.

Meaning: Acting without full reflection strengthens the very forces that defeat us; wise action begins only after complete understanding.
Why EI? The Kural embodies emotional intelligence by teaching self-regulation—pausing to examine impulses, emotions, and outcomes before acting, turning awareness into mastery.





The Charioteer Within: Mastery is not suppressing emotions (anger, fear, joy, pride, sad, lust, greed), but guiding their wild energy with wisdom and balance. Inspired by Nicholas Roerich’s mystical clarity