Thirukkural 511 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நன்மையும் தீமையும் நாடி நலம்புரிந்த
தன்மையான் ஆளப் படும்.
Transliteration
Nanmaiyum Theemaiyum Naati Nalampurindha
Thanmaiyaan Aalap Patum
Modern English
“Weigh both the good and the harm in a choice, then choose the person who naturally works toward what is good.”
Modern Interpretation
Weigh both the good and the harm in a choice, then choose the person who naturally works toward what is good. For example, select a teammate who considers the risks but still looks for the fairest solution.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Weigh both the good and the harm in a choice, then choose the person who naturally works toward what is good.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Employ the wise who will discern The good and bad and do good turn
G.U. Pope Translation
Who good and evil scanning, ever makes the good his joy;Such man of virtuous mood should king employ
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
He should be employed (by a king), whose nature leads him to choose the good, after having weighed both the evil and the good in any undertaking
Tamil commentary
ஒரு செயலை நம்மிடம் செய்யக் கொடுத்தால் அச்செயலின் நன்மை தீமை இரண்டையும் ஆராய்ந்து எது நன்மையோ அதையே செய்ய வேண்டும்.
Chapter 52
More from Selection and Employment
தெரிந்து வினையாடல்
Employ the wise who will discern The good and bad and do good turn
Kural 512Let him act who resource swells; Fosters wealth and prevents ills
Kural 513Trust him in whom these four you see: Love, wit, non-craving, clarity
Kural 514Though tried and found fit, yet we see Many differ before duty
Kural 515Wise able men with power invest Not by fondness but by hard test
Kural 516Discern the agent and the deed And just in proper time proceed
Kural 517This work, by this, this man can do Like this entrust the duty due
Kural 518His fitness for the duty scan Leave him to do the best he can
Kural 519Who do duty for duty's sake Doubt them; and fortune departs quick
Kural 520Worker straight the world is straight The king must look to this aright