Thirukkural 977 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இறப்பே புரிந்த தொழிற்றாம் சிறப்புந்தான்
சீரல் லவர்கண் படின்.
Transliteration
Irappe Purindha Thozhitraam Sirappundhaan
Seeral Lavarkan Patin
Modern English
“Wealth, education, or authority can produce arrogance when they are placed in the hands of someone without good character.”
Modern Interpretation
Wealth, education, or authority can produce arrogance when they are placed in the hands of someone without good character. For example, a newly promoted manager may start ordering people around simply because the title makes them feel superior.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Wealth, education, or authority can produce arrogance when they are placed in the hands of someone without good character.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The base with power and opulence Wax with deeds of insolence
G.U. Pope Translation
Whene'er distinction lights on some unworthy head,Then deeds of haughty insolence are bred
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Even nobility of birth, wealth and learning, if in (the possession of) the base, will (only) produce everincreasing pride
Tamil commentary
பணம், படிப்பு, பதவி ஆகிய சிறப்புகள் சிறுமைக்குணம் உடையவரிடம் சேர்ந்தால், அவர்களின் செயல்கள் அகங்காரத்தோடு வருவனவாம்.
Chapter 98
More from Greatness
பெருமை
A heart of courage lives in light Devoid of that one's life is night
Kural 972All beings are the same in birth But work decides their varied worth
Kural 973Ignoble high not high they are The noble low not low they fare
Kural 974Greatness like woman's chastity Is guarded by self-varacity
Kural 975Great souls when their will is active Do mighty deeds rare to achieve
Kural 976The petty-natured ones have not The mind to seek and befriend the great
Kural 977The base with power and opulence Wax with deeds of insolence
Kural 978Greatness bends with modesty Meanness vaunts with vanity
Kural 979Greatness is free from insolence Littleness swells with that offence
Kural 980Weakness of others greatness screens Smallness defects alone proclaims