Thirukkural 503 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அரியகற்று ஆசற்றார் கண்ணும் தெரியுங்கால்
இன்மை அரிதே வெளிறு.
Transliteration
Ariyakatru Aasatraar Kannum Theriyungaal
Inmai Aridhe Veliru
Modern English
“Even a highly educated person can still have blind spots.”
Modern Interpretation
Even a highly educated person can still have blind spots. For example, a top student should still ask questions and accept feedback before leading a difficult project.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Even a highly educated person can still have blind spots.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Though deep scholars of stainless sense Rare is freedom from ignorance
G.U. Pope Translation
Though deeply learned, unflecked by fault, 'tis rare to see,When closely scanned, a man from all unwisdom free
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
When even men, who have studied the most difficult works, and who are free from faults, are (carefully) examined, it is a rare thing to find them without ignorance
Tamil commentary
அரிய நூல்களை எல்லாம் கற்று குற்றம் ஏதும் இல்லாதவரே எனினும் கூர்ந்து பார்த்தால் அவரிடமும் அறியாமை இல்லாமல் இராது.
Chapter 51
More from Selection and Confidence
தெரிந்து தெளிதல்
Pleasure, gold, fear of life Virtue- Test by these four and trust the true
Kural 502Spotless name of noble birth Shamed of stain-that choice is worth
Kural 503Though deep scholars of stainless sense Rare is freedom from ignorance
Kural 504Good and evil in man weigh well Judge him by virtues which prevail
Kural 505By the touchstone of deeds is seen If any one is great or mean
Kural 506Choose not those men without kinsmen Without affine or shame of sin
Kural 507On favour leaning fools you choose; Folly in all its forms ensues
Kural 508To trust an untried stranger brings Endless troubles on all our kins
Kural 509Trust not without testing and then Find proper work for trusted men
Kural 510Trust without test; The trusted doubt; Both entail troubles in and out