Thirukkural 970 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இளிவரின் வாழாத மானம் உடையார்
ஒளிதொழுது ஏத்தும் உலகு.
Transliteration
Ilivarin Vaazhaadha Maanam Utaiyaar
Olidhozhudhu Eththum Ulaku
Modern English
“The world continues to honor people who would rather leave an unjust situation than live by humiliation.”
Modern Interpretation
The world continues to honor people who would rather leave an unjust situation than live by humiliation. For example, a whistleblower who gives up a promotion to report serious wrongdoing may be remembered for courage.
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Modern Plain English
The world continues to honor people who would rather leave an unjust situation than live by humiliation.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Their light the world adores and hails Who will not live when honour fails
G.U. Pope Translation
Who, when dishonour comes, refuse to live, their honoured memoryWill live in worship and applause of all the world for aye
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The world will (always) praise and adore the fame of the honourable who would rather die than suffer indignity
Tamil commentary
தனக்கு இகழ்ச்சி வரும்போது உயிர்வாழாத மானம் மிக்க மனிதரின் புகழ் வடிவைப் பெரியோர் தொழுது பாராட்டுவர்.
Chapter 97
More from Honour
மானம்
Though needed for your life in main, From mean degrading acts refrain
Kural 962Who seek honour and manly fame Don't do mean deeds even for name
Kural 963Be humble in prosperity In decline uphold dignity
Kural 964Like hair fallen from head are those Who fall down from their high status
Kural 965Even hill-like men will sink to nought With abrus-grain-like small default
Kural 966Why fawn on men that scorn you here It yields no fame, heaven's bliss neither
Kural 967Better it is to die forlorn Than live as slaves of those who scorn
Kural 968Is nursing body nectar sweet Even when one's honour is lost?
Kural 969Honour lost, the noble expire Like a yak that loses its hair
Kural 970Their light the world adores and hails Who will not live when honour fails