Thirukkural 667 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
உருவுகண்டு எள்ளாமை வேண்டும் உருள்பெருந்தேர்க்கு
அச்சாணி அன்னார் உடைத்து.
Transliteration
Uruvukantu Ellaamai Ventum Urulperundherkku
Achchaani Annaar Utaiththu
Modern English
“Do not judge people by size or appearance; a small part can support something great.”
Modern Interpretation
Do not judge people by size or appearance; a small part can support something great. A quiet student who keeps a team’s project organized may be its most important member.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Do not judge people by size or appearance; a small part can support something great.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Scorn not the form: for men there are Like linchpin of big rolling car
G.U. Pope Translation
Despise not men of modest bearing; Look not at form, but what men are:For some there live, high functions sharing, Like linch-pin of the mighty car
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Let none be despised for (their) size; (for) the world has those who resemble the linch-pin of the big rolling car
Tamil commentary
அச்சாணி சிறியது எனினும் உருளுகின்ற பெரிய தேருக்கு அது உதவுவது போல, மன உறுதி உடையவர்கள் வடிவத்தால் சிறியர் எனினும் செயலால் பெரியர் என்பதால் அவரை இகழக்கூடாது.
Chapter 67
More from Power in Action
வினைத்திட்பம்
A powerful mind does powerful act And all the rest are imperfect
Kural 662Shun failing fuss; fail not purpose These two are maxims of the wise
Kural 663The strong achieve and then display Woe unto work displayed midway
Kural 664Easy it is to tell a fact But hard it is to know and act
Kural 665Dynamic deeds of a doughty soul Shall win the praise of king and all
Kural 666The will-to-do achieves the deed When mind that wills is strong indeed
Kural 667Scorn not the form: for men there are Like linchpin of big rolling car
Kural 668Waver not; do wakefully The deed resolved purposefully
Kural 669Do with firm will though pains beset The deed that brings delight at last
Kural 670The world merits no other strength But strength of will-to-do at length