LOOKING AFTER THE TRIBE

The distribution of the benefits of wealth among relatives and other dependants is not merely laid down as a moral virtue, but is justified as a plan of life with an aim. It secures happiness for society by the intrinsic joy of helpfulness and by mutual support against common dangers. Go to the crow and learn, thou selfish man, says the poet.

The crow does not hide it when it finds something to pick and eat, but calls its fellows and then starts eating. Prosperity comes only to men who develop this disposition.

Those relatives that go away for some reason will come back as soon as you have discovered in yourself the cause of their desertion and the defect is removed.

So if relations desert you, you should not blame or bate them, but examine yourself and take steps to remove the cause.

If any go away but come back not for affection but for a known selfish object of there own, the king should not on that ground summarily reject them. He should do what they want, but before taking them back into confidence test them.

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