Thirukkural 972 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

பிறப்பொக்கும் எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் சிறப்பொவ்வா
செய்தொழில் வேற்றுமை யான்.

Transliteration

Pirappokkum Ellaa Uyirkkum Sirappovvaa
Seydhozhil Vetrumai Yaan

English Translation

“All beings are the same in birth But work decides their varied worth”

Plain-English meaning

All human beings agree as regards their birth but differ as regards their characteristics, because of the different qualities of their actions

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

All beings are the same in birth But work decides their varied worth

G.U. Pope Translation

All men that live are one in circumstances of birth;Diversities of works give each his special worth

Plain-English Meaning

All human beings agree as regards their birth but differ as regards their characteristics, because of the different qualities of their actions

எல்லா மக்களும் பிறப்பால் சமம‌ே; அவரவர் செய்யும் செயல் வேறுபாடுகளால் மட்டுமே பெருமை வரும்.

Chapter 98

பெருமை

A heart of courage lives in light Devoid of that one's life is night

All beings are the same in birth But work decides their varied worth

Ignoble high not high they are The noble low not low they fare

Greatness like woman's chastity Is guarded by self-varacity

Great souls when their will is active Do mighty deeds rare to achieve

The petty-natured ones have not The mind to seek and befriend the great

The base with power and opulence Wax with deeds of insolence

Greatness bends with modesty Meanness vaunts with vanity

Greatness is free from insolence Littleness swells with that offence

Weakness of others greatness screens Smallness defects alone proclaims