Thirukkural 958 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நலத்தின்கண் நாரின்மை தோன்றின் அவனைக்
குலத்தின்கண் ஐயப் படும்.
Transliteration
Nalaththinkan Naarinmai Thondrin Avanaik
Kulaththinkan Aiyap Patum
Modern English
“Kindness is so central to good character that its absence makes people question every claim of good upbringing.”
Modern Interpretation
Kindness is so central to good character that its absence makes people question every claim of good upbringing. For example, a talented person who treats service workers coldly may lose respect despite their success.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Kindness is so central to good character that its absence makes people question every claim of good upbringing.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
If manners of the good are rude People deem their pedigree crude
G.U. Pope Translation
If lack of love appear in those who bear some goodly name,'Twill make men doubt the ancestry they claim
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If one of a good family betrays want of affection, his descent from it will be called in question
Tamil commentary
நல்ல குடும்பத்திலிருந்து வருகின்றவனிடம் அன்பு இல்லாது இருந்தால் அக்குடும்பத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவன் தானா என்று அவனை இந்த உலகம் சந்தேகப்படும்.
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