Thirukkural 954 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அடுக்கிய கோடி பெறினும் குடிப்பிறந்தார்
குன்றுவ செய்தல் இலர்.
Transliteration
Atukkiya Koti Perinum Kutippirandhaar
Kundruva Seydhal Ilar
Modern English
“Even great wealth is not worth gaining through an act that brings shame on one's family or principles.”
Modern Interpretation
Even great wealth is not worth gaining through an act that brings shame on one's family or principles. For example, refusing to cheat for a profitable contract protects a reputation that money cannot restore.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Even great wealth is not worth gaining through an act that brings shame on one's family or principles.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Even for crores, the noble mood Cannot bend to degrading deed
G.U. Pope Translation
Millions on millions piled would never winThe men of noble race to soul-degrading sin
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Though blessed with immense wealth, the noble will never do anything unbecoming
Tamil commentary
கோடி கோடியாகச் செல்வத்தைப் பெற்றாலும் நல்ல குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்தவர் தம் குடும்பப் பெருமை குறைவதற்கான செயல்களைச் செய்யமாட்டார்.
Chapter 96
More from Nobility
குடிமை
Right-sense and bashfulness adorn By nature only the noble-born
Kural 952The noble-born lack not these three: Good conduct, truth and modesty
Kural 953Smile, gift, sweet words and courtesy These four mark true nobility
Kural 954Even for crores, the noble mood Cannot bend to degrading deed
Kural 955The means of gift may dwindle; yet Ancient homes guard their noble trait
Kural 956Who guard their family prestige pure Stoop not to acts of cunning lure
Kural 957The faults of nobly-born are seen Like on the sky the spots of moon
Kural 958If manners of the good are rude People deem their pedigree crude
Kural 959Soil's nature is seen in sprout The worth of birth from words flow out
Kural 960All gain good name by modesty Nobility by humility