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

English Translation

“Which subtler brain can stand before The keen in brain with learned love?”

Plain-English meaning

What (contrivances) are there so acute as to resist those who possess natural acuteness in addition to learning ?

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

What (contrivances) are there so acute as to resist those who possess natural acuteness in addition to learning ?

இயல்பான நுண்ணறிவோடு செயற்கை ஆகிய நூல் அறிவையும் உடைய அமைச்சருக்கு எதிராக, மிகுந்த நுட்பமான சூழ்ச்சிகள் என்று எவை நிற்கமுடியும்?

Chapter 64

அமைச்சு

He is minister who chooses Right means, time, mode and rare ventures

With these he guards people, -by his Knowledge, firmness and manliness

A minister cherishes friends Divides foes and the parted blends

A minister must sift reflect Select and say surely one fact

Have him for help who virtue knows Right wisdom speaks, ever apt in acts

Which subtler brain can stand before The keen in brain with learned love?

Albeit you know to act from books Act after knowing world's outlooks

The man in place must tell the facts Though the ignorant king refutes

Seventy crores of foes are better Than a minister with mind bitter

The unresolved, though well designed To fulfil an act they have no mind