Thirukkural 750 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
எனைமாட்சித் தாகியக் கண்ணும் வினைமாட்சி
இல்லார்கண் இல்லது அரண்.
Transliteration
Enaimaatchith Thaakiyak Kannum Vinaimaatchi
Illaarkan Illadhu Aran
Modern English
“Even the strongest structure is useless if the people responsible for it cannot act well.”
Modern Interpretation
Even the strongest structure is useless if the people responsible for it cannot act well. Resources and good planning need capable people to turn them into protection and results. For example, a school may have excellent buildings and technology, but it will not help students if its staff cannot organize lessons and respond to problems effectively.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Even the strongest structure is useless if the people responsible for it cannot act well.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
But a fort however grand Is nil if heroes do not stand
G.U. Pope Translation
Howe'er majestic castled walls may rise,To craven souls no fortress strength supplies
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Although a fort may possess all (the above-said) excellence, it is, as it were without these, if its inmates possess not the excellence of action
Tamil commentary
எத்தனை சிறப்புகளை உடையது என்றாலும் வெல்லும் பகை அறிந்து செயல்படும் திறம் இல்லாதவர் இருந்தால், அரண் இருந்தும் இல்லாததே ஆகும்.
Chapter 75
More from The Fortification
அரண்
The fort is vital for offence Who fear the foes has its defence
Kural 742A crystal fount, a space a mount Thick woods form a fort paramount
Kural 743An ideal fort's so says science: High, broad, strong and hard for access
Kural 744Ample in space, easy to hold The fort foils enemies bold
Kural 745Impregnable with stores of food Cosy to live-That fort is good
Kural 746A fort is full of stores and arms And brave heroes to meet alarms
Kural 747Besieging foes a fort withstands Darts and mines of treacherous hands
Kural 748A fort holds itself and defies The attacks of encircling foes
Kural 749A fort it is that fells the foes And gains by deeds a name glorious
Kural 750But a fort however grand Is nil if heroes do not stand