Thirukkural 472 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஒல்வ தறிவது அறிந்ததன் கண்தங்கிச்
செல்வார்க்குச் செல்லாதது இல்.
Transliteration
Olva Tharivadhu Arindhadhan Kandhangich
Chelvaarkkuch Chellaadhadhu Il
Modern English
“Know what you can do, learn what the task requires, and stay focused on it.”
Modern Interpretation
Know what you can do, learn what the task requires, and stay focused on it. For example, someone who studies the tools needed for a difficult skill can achieve more than someone who relies only on enthusiasm.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Know what you can do, learn what the task requires, and stay focused on it.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Nothing hampers the firm who know What they can and how to go
G.U. Pope Translation
Who know what can be wrought, with knowledge of the means, on this,Their mind firm set, go forth, nought goes with them amiss
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
There is nothing which may not be accomplished by those who, before they attack (an enemy), make themselves acquainted with their own ability, and with whatever else is (needful) to be known, and
Tamil commentary
தம்மால் செய்யமுடியும் செயலையும் அதைச் செய்வதற்கு ஏற்ற ஆற்றலையும் அறிந்து அதையே மனத்துள் சிந்தித்துச் செயலாற்றுவார்க்கு, முடியாதது ஒன்றும் இல்லை.
Chapter 48
More from The Knowledge of Power
வலியறிதல்
Judge act and might and foeman's strength The allies' strength and go at length
Kural 472Nothing hampers the firm who know What they can and how to go
Kural 473Many know not their meagre might Their pride breaks up in boastful fight
Kural 474Who adapts not, outsteps measure And brags himself-his fall is sure
Kural 475Even the gentle peacock's plume Cart's axle breaks by gross volume
Kural 476Beyond the branches' tip who skips Ends the life as his body rips
Kural 477Know the limit; grant with measure This way give and guard your treasure
Kural 478The outflow must not be excess No matter how small income is
Kural 479Who does not know to live in bounds His life seems rich but thins and ends
Kural 480Wealth amassed quickly vanishes Sans level if one lavishes