Thirukkural 514 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
எனைவகையான் தேறியக் கண்ணும் வினைவகையான்
வேறாகும் மாந்தர் பலர்.
Transliteration
Enaivakaiyaan Theriyak Kannum Vinaivakaiyaan
Veraakum Maandhar Palar
Modern English
“People may act differently when the kind of work changes, even after careful testing.”
Modern Interpretation
People may act differently when the kind of work changes, even after careful testing. For example, a student who excels at planning may struggle when asked to speak in front of a crowd.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
People may act differently when the kind of work changes, even after careful testing.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Though tried and found fit, yet we see Many differ before duty
G.U. Pope Translation
Even when tests of every kind are multiplied,Full many a man proves otherwise, by action tried
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Even when (a king) has tried them in every possible way, there are many men who change, from the nature of the works (in which they may be employed)
Tamil commentary
எல்லா வகையிலும் ஆராய்ந்து உரிய பதவி வழங்கிய பின்னும், செயல் திறத்தால், எதிர்பார்த்த அளவு இல்லாத மாந்தர் பலராவர்.
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