Thirukkural 985 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஆற்றுவார் ஆற்றல் பணிதல் அதுசான்றோர்
மாற்றாரை மாற்றும் படை.
Transliteration
Aatruvaar Aatral Panidhal Adhusaandror
Maatraarai Maatrum Patai
Modern English
“The strongest person is often the one who can act with humility; that attitude can turn opponents into partners.”
Modern Interpretation
The strongest person is often the one who can act with humility; that attitude can turn opponents into partners. For example, a manager who listens respectfully to a critic may resolve a conflict better than one who relies on authority.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The strongest person is often the one who can act with humility; that attitude can turn opponents into partners.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Humility is valour's strength A force that averts foes at length
G.U. Pope Translation
Submission is the might of men of mighty acts; the sageWith that same weapon stills his foeman's rage
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Stooping (to inferiors) is the strength of those who can accomplish (an undertaking); and that is the weapon with which the great avert their foes
Tamil commentary
ஒரு செயலைச் செய்து முடிப்பவர் திறமை, தம்முடன் பணி ஆற்றுபவரிடம் பணிந்து வேலை வாங்குதலே; சான்றாண்மை தம் பகைவரையும் நண்பராக்கப் பயன்படுத்தும் ஆயுதமும் அதுவே.
Chapter 99
More from Perfectness
சான்றாண்மை
All goodness is duty to them Who are dutiful and sublime
Kural 982Good in the great is character Than that there is nothing better
Kural 983Love, truth, regard, modesty, grace These five are virtue's resting place
Kural 984Not to kill is penance pure Not to slander virtue sure
Kural 985Humility is valour's strength A force that averts foes at length
Kural 986To bear repulse e'en from the mean Is the touch-stone of worthy men
Kural 987Of perfection what is the gain If it returns not joy for pain?
Kural 988No shame there is in poverty To one strong in good quality
Kural 989Aeons may change but not the seer Who is a sea of virtue pure
Kural 990The world will not more bear its weight If from high virtue fall the great