Thirukkural 400 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கேடில் விழுச்செல்வம் கல்வி யொருவற்கு
மாடல்ல மற்றை யவை.
Transliteration
Ketil Vizhuchchelvam Kalvi Yoruvarku
Maatalla Matrai Yavai
Modern English
“Learning is an enduring kind of wealth because it stays useful when possessions and circumstances change.”
Modern Interpretation
Learning is an enduring kind of wealth because it stays useful when possessions and circumstances change. For example, a practical skill can help someone rebuild after losing a job, while money alone may eventually run out.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Learning is an enduring kind of wealth because it stays useful when possessions and circumstances change.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Learning is wealth none could destroy Nothing else gives genuine joy
G.U. Pope Translation
Learning is excellence of wealth that none destroy;To man nought else affords reality of joy
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Learning is the true imperishable riches; all other things are not riches
Tamil commentary
கல்வியே அழிவு இல்லாத சிறந்த செல்வம்; பிற எல்லாம் செல்வமே அல்ல.
Chapter 40
More from Learning
கல்வி
Lore worth learning, learn flawlessly Live by that learning thoroughly
Kural 392Letter, number, art and science Of living kind both are the eyes
Kural 393The learned alone have eyes on face The ignorant two sores of disgrace
Kural 394To meet with joy and part with thought Of learned men this is the art
Kural 395Like poor before rich they yearn: For knowledge: the low never learn
Kural 396As deep you dig the sand spring flows As deep you learn the knowledge grows
Kural 397All lands and towns are learner's own Why not till death learning go on!
Kural 398The joy of learning in one birth Exalts man upto his seventh
Kural 399The learned foster learning more On seeing the world enjoy their lore
Kural 400Learning is wealth none could destroy Nothing else gives genuine joy