Thirukkural 636 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
மதிநுட்பம் நூலோடு உடையார்க்கு அதிநுட்பம்
யாவுள முன்நிற் பவை.
Transliteration
Madhinutpam Noolotu Utaiyaarkku Adhinutpam
Yaavula Munnir Pavai
Modern English
“Natural intelligence joined with learning can see through even very subtle schemes.”
Modern Interpretation
Natural intelligence joined with learning can see through even very subtle schemes. For example, an experienced investigator who also studies carefully can notice the hidden flaw in a complicated plan.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Natural intelligence joined with learning can see through even very subtle schemes.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Which subtler brain can stand before The keen in brain with learned love?
G.U. Pope Translation
When native subtilty combines with sound scholastic lore,'Tis subtilty surpassing all, which nothing stands before
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
What (contrivances) are there so acute as to resist those who possess natural acuteness in addition to learning ?
Tamil commentary
இயல்பான நுண்ணறிவோடு செயற்கை ஆகிய நூல் அறிவையும் உடைய அமைச்சருக்கு எதிராக, மிகுந்த நுட்பமான சூழ்ச்சிகள் என்று எவை நிற்கமுடியும்?
Chapter 64
More from The Office of Minister of state
அமைச்சு
He is minister who chooses Right means, time, mode and rare ventures
Kural 632With these he guards people, -by his Knowledge, firmness and manliness
Kural 633A minister cherishes friends Divides foes and the parted blends
Kural 634A minister must sift reflect Select and say surely one fact
Kural 635Have him for help who virtue knows Right wisdom speaks, ever apt in acts
Kural 636Which subtler brain can stand before The keen in brain with learned love?
Kural 637Albeit you know to act from books Act after knowing world's outlooks
Kural 638The man in place must tell the facts Though the ignorant king refutes
Kural 639Seventy crores of foes are better Than a minister with mind bitter
Kural 640The unresolved, though well designed To fulfil an act they have no mind