Kural #470
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Tamil text
எள்ளாத எண்ணிச் செயல்வேண்டும்
தம்மோடு கொள்ளாத கொள்ளாது உலகு
Eḷḷāta eṇṇic ceyalvēṇṭum
Tammōṭu koḷḷāta koḷḷātu ulaku
English translation
One should plan and act in ways that cannot be despised, for the world will not accept those who lack such qualities.
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Explanation
Reputation matters. Actions should be planned not just for effectiveness but for respectability. The world ultimately rejects those whose conduct is contemptible, regardless of their other achievements.
விளக்கம்
எந்தச் செயலையும் மதிக்கத்தக்கதாக எண்ணிச் செய்யணும். உலகம் மதிக்காத செயல்களைச் செய்தால், நம்மையும் மதிக்காது. 'தெரிந்து செயல்வகை' அதிகாரத்தின்படி, யோசித்துச் செய்தால் நன்மை கிடைக்கும்.
Word meanings
- எள்ளாதeḷḷātanot despised
- எண்ணிeṇṇihaving planned
- செயல்ceyalact
- வேண்டும்vēṇṭumshould
- தம்மோடுtammōṭuwith them
- கொள்ளாதkoḷḷātanot accepting
- கொள்ளாதுkoḷḷātuwill not accept
- உலகுulakuthe world
Story behind this kural
In a sun-drenched village lived two potters, Arun and Bala. Arun, with strong hands, crafted sturdy pots quickly, eager to sell them. He'd often skip steps, leaving the clay rough and the shapes uneven. Bala, however, worked with meticulous care. He’d smooth every curve and fire each pot until it gleamed. Arun's pots, though numerous, cracked easily, and the villagers often complained. They bought them because they were cheap, but soon replaced them. Bala’s pots, though fewer, lasted for years. People treasured them, using them for special occasions and passing them down to their children. Arun, seeing Bala’s success, scoffed. “He is slow!” he declared. “I make more, yet he earns more!” But the villagers knew the difference. They understood that quality, and the care behind it, ultimately mattered more than a quick sale. Soon, Arun found himself with many pots and little respect, while Bala’s reputation grew with each perfectly formed vessel.