Kural #722
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Tamil text
கற்றாருள் கற்றார் எனப்படுவர்
கற்றார்முன் கற்ற செலச்சொல்லு வார்
Kaṟṟāruḷ kaṟṟār eṉappaṭuvar
Kaṟṟārmuṉ kaṟṟa celaccol luvār
English translation
Only those who can effectively present their knowledge before the learned assembly are truly considered learned among the learned.
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Explanation
True scholarship is not just possession of knowledge but the ability to articulate it convincingly before an audience of experts. One who can speak their learning with impact in such gatherings earns the highest recognition.
விளக்கம்
கற்றவர் பலர் இருக்கையில், தான் கற்றதைச் சரியாக எடுத்துச் சொல்பவரே கற்றவருள் சிறந்தவர். அவை அஞ்சாமை அதிகாரத்தில், கற்றதை பயமின்றி சொல்வதே அறிவுடைமை என்கிறது குறள். இது, கல்வியை வெளிப்படுத்தும் திறனே முக்கியம் என்பதை உணர்த்துகிறது.
Word meanings
- கற்றாருள்kaṟṟāruḷamong the learned
- கற்றார்kaṟṟārlearned ones/scholars
- எனப்படுவர்eṉappaṭuvarwill be called/considered
- கற்றார்முன்kaṟṟārmuṉbefore the learned
- கற்றkaṟṟawhat is learned
- செலcelaeffectively/with impact
- சொல்லுவார்colluvārthose who speak
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two scholars, Elias and Theron. Both had studied the ancient scrolls for years, amassing vast knowledge. When the wise elders announced a public debate, Elias felt confident. He prepared meticulously, memorizing every detail. Theron, however, practiced speaking, refining his arguments, and anticipating counterpoints. At the assembly, Elias spoke first. His recitation was flawless, but his voice trembled. The elders nodded politely, but their eyes held no spark. Then, Theron stepped forward. He spoke with passion, weaving his knowledge into a compelling narrative. He addressed the elders directly, his arguments clear and strong. His words resonated, and the audience leaned forward, captivated. When the debate concluded, the elders praised Theron. Elias, though knowledgeable, had failed to share his wisdom. The elders understood that the true measure of knowledge lies not just in its accumulation, but in its effective communication.