Kural #997
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Tamil text
அரம்போலும் கூர்மைய ரேனும்
மரம்போல்வர் மக்கட்பண்பு இல்லா தவர்
Arampōlum kūrmaiya rēṉum
Marampōlvar makkaṭpaṇpu illā tavar
English translation
Though sharp as a file in intellect, those without human courtesy are like mere logs of wood.
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Explanation
Intelligence without courtesy is worthless. A person may be sharp-minded like a file (அரம்), but without basic human decency, they are no better than a piece of wood. Courtesy is what makes intelligence valuable.
விளக்கம்
அறம் போல் கூர்மையான அறிவு இருந்தாலும், பண்பு இல்லாவிட்டால் பயனில்லை. அவர்கள் மரத்தைப் போன்றவரே. பண்புடைமை அதிகாரத்தில், நற்பண்பே அறிவை சிறப்பாக்கும் என்கிறது குறள்.
Word meanings
- அரம்aramfile (tool)
- போலும்pōlumlike
- கூர்மையர்kūrmaiyarthose with sharpness
- ஏனும்ēṉumeven though
- மரம்maramwood/log
- போல்வர்pōlvarare like
- மக்கட்பண்புmakkaṭpaṇpuhuman courtesy
- இல்லாதவர்illātavarthose without
Story behind this kural
The village was abuzz with the arrival of a renowned scholar, Master Elara. He was famed for his sharp mind, able to solve the most complex riddles and debates with lightning speed. Villagers flocked to him, seeking his wisdom. Among them was a young farmer, Arul, who sought advice on cultivating his land. Master Elara, after a quick assessment, offered a brilliant, intricate plan. Arul, however, struggled to understand the scholar's rapid-fire instructions. He politely asked for clarification, but the Master scoffed, dismissing Arul's "slow" intellect. Days turned into weeks. Arul, despite the brilliant plan, found himself lost. His crops failed. Meanwhile, a humble carpenter, Karthi, known for his kindness, offered simpler, practical advice. He patiently explained how to prepare the soil, when to sow, and how to protect the seedlings. Arul, following Karthi's guidance, saw his harvest flourish. He learned that sharp intellect without understanding and consideration was like a beautiful, but useless, sculpture.