Thirukkural 479 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அளவறிந்து வாழாதான் வாழ்க்கை உளபோல
இல்லாகித் தோன்றாக் கெடும்.
Transliteration
Alavara�ndhu Vaazhaadhaan Vaazhkkai Ulapola
Illaakith Thondraak Ketum
Modern English
“A life lived beyond its means may look prosperous for a while, but it cannot last.”
Modern Interpretation
A life lived beyond its means may look prosperous for a while, but it cannot last. For example, constant credit-card spending can make success disappear under growing bills.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A life lived beyond its means may look prosperous for a while, but it cannot last.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Who does not know to live in bounds His life seems rich but thins and ends
G.U. Pope Translation
Who prosperous lives and of enjoyment knows no bound,His seeming wealth, departing, nowhere shall be found
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The prosperity of him who lives without knowing the measure (of his property), will perish, even while it seems to continue
Tamil commentary
தன் சொத்தின் மதிப்பை அறிந்து அதற்கு ஏற்ப வாழாதவனின் வாழ்க்கை, இருப்பது போல் காட்சி தந்து இல்லாமல் அழிந்துவிடும்.
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