Kural #979
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Tamil text
பெருமை பெருமிதம் இன்மை
சிறுமை பெருமிதம் ஊர்ந்து விடல்
Perumai perumitam iṉmai
Ciṟumai perumitam ūrntu viṭal
English translation
Greatness means the absence of arrogance; pettiness means riding high on arrogance.
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Explanation
This kural perfectly defines the difference: the great are free from pride (பெருமிதம் இன்மை), while the petty are driven by it. Arrogance is like a vehicle that carries the small-minded - they ride upon it constantly.
விளக்கம்
பெருமைகள் இல்லாதிருப்பது பெருமை; சிறுமையோ கர்வம் ஏறி ஆடுவது. பெருமை உடையவர்கள் பணிவாக இருப்பார்கள். கர்வம் அழிவுக்கு வழிவகுக்கும் என்பதை இது பெருமை அதிகாரத்தில் உணர்த்துகிறது.
Word meanings
- பெருமைperumaigreatness
- பெருமிதம்perumitamarrogance/pride
- இன்மைiṉmaiabsence of
- சிறுமைciṟumaipettiness
- ஊர்ந்துūrnturiding upon
- விடல்viṭalletting go/being carried
Story behind this kural
The village elder, Silas, was known for his humility. Though his granaries overflowed, he always shared with those in need. He’d often be seen helping his neighbors, his hands calloused from years of honest work. Across the valley lived Marius, a merchant whose wealth had grown rapidly. He built a grand mansion, adorned with gold, and spoke with boastful pride. He’d often criticize the villagers, deeming them beneath him. One day, a fierce storm ravaged the valley. Silas opened his granaries, feeding everyone. Marius, however, locked his gates, hoarding his provisions, and sneering at the plight of others. When the storm passed, Silas, though his own fields were damaged, helped rebuild the village. Marius, whose mansion stood untouched, found himself increasingly isolated, his wealth a barrier rather than a blessing. The villagers, rebuilding together, found warmth in their shared hardship, and the memory of Marius's arrogance lingered long after the storm clouds had vanished.