Dignity over Success

We are in the midst of thirst for success.  At any cost.

In this context, there is a poem in the #Purananooru by #Vennikkuyathiyar

It goes like this:

நின்னினும் நல்லன்

வெண்ணிக் குயத்தியார்

நளியிரு முந்நீர் நாவாய் ஓட்டி,
வளிதொழில் ஆண்ட உரவோன் மருக!
களி இயல் யானைக் கரிகால் வளவ!
சென்று, அமர்க் கடந்த நின் ஆற்றல் தோன்ற
வென்றோய்! நின்னினும் நல்லன் அன்றே,

கலிகொள் யாணர் வெண்ணிப் பறந்தலை,
மிகப் புகழ் உலகம் எய்திப்
புறப்புண் நாணி, வடக் கிருந்தோனே!

Coming in the lineage of those who had mastered
the winds to sail their mighty ships on the great seas,
Oh, Karikalvalava, who, seated on charging elephants,
Showed your prowess and might for the world to see;
Having won the battle, you are great indeed!

But the one whom you defeated, let go of his life, facing North;
Gaining greater merit and attaining the greater world,
Feeling ashamed, that he was wounded on his back.

(Translation by R. Manimohan)

In the above poem, the poet says that the one who in spite of putting up a brave and valiant fight and lost, is ashamed at even a wound on his back, and lets go of his life itself, instead of living a baneful life, is far more greater than even the person who had won the war.  This shows to what extent, dignity was held over success.

Today, the one who is defeated (invariably due to back stabbing) waits to pay back his opponent in the same coin.