Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Those who are in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself.” Thiruvalluvar [2025]

• Those who are in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself.” Thiruvalluvar [2025] The quote emphasizes the power of courage, emotional stability, and resilience in overcoming adversity. Difficulties become more dangerous when individuals panic, lose confidence, or surrender mentally. Conversely, calmness and determination weaken the very force of trouble.

Importance of Emotional Stability in Adversity

• Enhances Rational Decision-Making

A calm mind thinks clearly even under pressure.

• Panic leads to confusion and poor judgment.
• Composure helps in analyzing situations objectively.

For example, during natural disasters, effective administrators maintain calmness to coordinate rescue operations efficiently.

• Builds Resilience and Perseverance

Resilient individuals recover quickly from setbacks.

• Failures become learning opportunities rather than sources of despair.
• Determination weakens the impact of adversity.
  • Example: Abraham Lincoln faced repeated electoral failures before becoming one of the greatest leaders in history.
• Inspires Confidence in Others

Leaders who remain composed during crises inspire trust among people.

• Citizens look toward calm leadership during emergencies.
• Emotional stability prevents chaos and fear.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many doctors, nurses, and administrators continued their duties despite extreme risks, displaying courage and dedication.

Relevance in Public Administration and Ethics

• Disaster Management: An administrator must remain calm during floods, earthquakes, or pandemics to ensure effective coordination and public reassurance.
  • Example: During the Kerala floods, several officials worked continuously under pressure to rescue stranded people.
• Law and Order Situations: During communal tension or protests, emotionally unstable responses can escalate violence. A composed officer can prevent conflict through dialogue and patience.
• Ethical Governance: A public servant who panics under political pressure may compromise integrity. Courage and mental steadiness help uphold constitutional values and public interest.

Thus, emotional intelligence is now considered a key component of good governance.

Contemporary Relevance:

In the modern world, people face increasing stress due to competition, unemployment, social media pressure, and global uncertainties.

• Students face examination anxiety.
• Professionals experience workplace stress.
• Governments confront cyber threats, terrorism, and climate disasters.

In such conditions, resilience and emotional intelligence are indispensable life skills.

For instance, entrepreneurs often fail multiple times before succeeding. Those who remain persistent eventually transform setbacks into success.

Thiruvalluvar’s quote conveys that adversity can only defeat those who surrender mentally. Courage, patience, resilience, and emotional intelligence reduce the power of difficulties and enable individuals to emerge stronger. In both personal life and public service, the ability to remain calm amidst crises is a hallmark of true leadership and character.