Thirukkural 453 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

மனத்தானாம் மாந்தர்க் குணர்ச்சி இனத்தானாம்
இன்னான் எனப்படுஞ் சொல்.

Transliteration

Manaththaanaam Maandhark Kunarchchi Inaththaanaam
Innaan Enappatunj Chol

English Translation

“Wisdom depends upon the mind The worth of man upon his friend”

Plain-English meaning

The power of knowing is from the mind; (but) his character is from that of his associates

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Wisdom depends upon the mind The worth of man upon his friend

G.U. Pope Translation

Perceptions manifold in men are of the mind alone;The value of the man by his companionship is known

Plain-English Meaning

The power of knowing is from the mind; (but) his character is from that of his associates

மக்களுக்கு இயல்பான அறிவு அவர்தம் மனததால் உண்டாகும்; ஆனால், ஒருவன் இப்படிப்பட்டவன் என்று பெரியோர் சொல்லும் சொல் அவன் சார்ந்த இனம் காரணமாகவே உண்டாகும்.

Chapter 46

சிற்றினம் சேராமை

The ignoble the noble fear The mean hold them as kinsmen dear

With soil changes water's taste With mates changes the mental state

Wisdom depends upon the mind The worth of man upon his friend

Wisdom seems to come from mind But it truly flows from the kind

Purity of the thought and deed Comes from good company indeed

Pure-hearted get good progeny Pure friendship acts with victory

Goodness of mind increases gain Good friendship fosters fame again

Men of wisdom, though good in mind In friends of worth a new strength find

Good mind decides the future bliss Good company gains strength to this

No help good company exeeds; The bad to untold anguish leads