Thirukkural 236 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தோன்றின் புகழொடு தோன்றுக அஃதிலார்
தோன்றலின் தோன்றாமை நன்று.
Transliteration
Thondrin Pukazhotu Thondruka Aqdhilaar
Thondralin Thondraamai Nandru
Modern English
“If you're going to step into something, do it in a way that actually earns respect; if you can't, it's better to sit it out entirely.”
Modern Interpretation
If you're going to step into something, do it in a way that actually earns respect; if you can't, it's better to sit it out entirely. Half-hearted participation helps no one, including yourself. For example, joining a team just to take up space does less for you than waiting until you're ready to genuinely contribute.
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Modern Plain English
If you're going to step into something, do it in a way that actually earns respect; if you can't, it's better to sit it out entirely.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Be born with fame if birth you want If not of birth you must not vaunt
G.U. Pope Translation
If man you walk the stage, appear adorned with glory's grace;Save glorious you can shine, 'twere better hide your face
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If you are born (in this world), be born with qualities conductive to fame From those who are destitute of them it will be better not to be born
Tamil commentary
பிறர் அறியுமாறு அறிமுகமானால் புகழ் மிக்கவராய் அறிமுகம் ஆகுக; புகழ் இல்லாதவர் உலகு காணக் காட்சி தருவதிலும், தராமல் இருப்பதே நல்லது.
Chapter 24
More from Renown
புகழ்
They gather fame who freely give The greatest gain for all that live
Kural 232The glory of the alms-giver Is praised aloud as popular
Kural 233Nothing else lasts on earth for e'er Saving high fame of the giver!
Kural 234From hailing gods heavens will cease To hail the men of lasting praise
Kural 235Fame in fall and life in death Are rare but for the soulful worth
Kural 236Be born with fame if birth you want If not of birth you must not vaunt
Kural 237Why grieve at those who blame the shame Of those who cannot live in fame?
Kural 238To men on earth it is a shame Not to beget the child of fame
Kural 239The land will shrink in yield if men O'erburden it without renown
Kural 240They live who live without blemish The blameful ones do not flurish