Thirukkural-On Wealth-Avoidance Of Faults-Kural-435

The life of a man who does not guard against untoward developments,
Will be like a haystack before an advancing fire.

Before a fire, that is steadily advancing with the rising wind, a stack of dry straw has absolutely no chance. In like manner too, a man who does not foresee and protect himself against unforeseen and unpleasant developments, will have his life surely ruined, when untoward happenings do overtake him.

Wise men foresee events that may come about in due course, and, if they can do nothing to shape them, they must at least prepare themselves to meet all eventualities, with minimum damage to themselves and their environment.

And, when a ruler is guilty of lack of foresight his failure affects not only himself personally, but also, his administration, his people and the kingdom.

While on that subject, it has to be mentioned that our Administrators in most areas normally adopt only the fire-fighting approach to problems. They do not plan in advance and carry out programmes, foreseeing possible developments.