Thirukkural 838 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
மையல் ஒருவன் களித்தற்றால் பேதைதன்
கையொன்று உடைமை பெறின்.
Transliteration
Maiyal Oruvan Kaliththatraal Pedhaidhan
Kaiyondru Utaimai Perin
Modern English
“When a foolish person suddenly gains money or power, the result can be like giving alcohol to someone already dizzy.”
Modern Interpretation
When a foolish person suddenly gains money or power, the result can be like giving alcohol to someone already dizzy. An immature person with new authority may become reckless instead of using it responsibly.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
When a foolish person suddenly gains money or power, the result can be like giving alcohol to someone already dizzy.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Fools possessing something on hand Like dazed and drunken stupids stand
G.U. Pope Translation
When folly's hand grasps wealth's increase, 'twill beAs when a mad man raves in drunken glee
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
A fool happening to possess something is like the intoxication of one who is (already) giddy
Tamil commentary
அறிவற்றவன் தன்னிடம் ஒன்றைச் சொந்தமாகப் பெறுவது, முன்பே பிடித்துப் பிடித்தவன், கள்ளால் மயங்கியும் நிற்பது போல் ஆகும்.
Chapter 84
More from Folly
பேதைமை
This is folly's prominent vein To favour loss and forego gain
Kural 832Folly of follies is to lead A lewd and lawless life so bad
Kural 833Shameless, aimless, callous, listless Such are the marks of foolishness
Kural 834No fool equals the fool who learns Knows, teaches, but self-control spurns
Kural 835The fool suffers seven fold hells In single birth of hellish ills
Kural 836A know-nothing fool daring a deed Not only fails but feels fettered
Kural 837Strangers feast and kinsmen fast When fools mishandle fortunes vast
Kural 838Fools possessing something on hand Like dazed and drunken stupids stand
Kural 839Friendship with fools is highly sweet For without a groan we part
Kural 840Entrance of fools where Savants meet Looks like couch trod by unclean feet