Wealth (பொருட்பால்) / Royalty
Chapter 41
கல்லாமை
Ignorance
Kallaamai. Malay: Kejahilan. Kurals 401 to 410.
When avoiding ignorance and the cost of not learning.
How to say it
Arangindri Vattaati Yatre NirampiyaNoolindrik Kotti Kolal
Meaning in plain English
To speak in an assembly (of the learned) without fullness of knowledge, is like playing at chess (on a board) without squares
Poetic translation
Like those at draughts would play without the chequered square, Men void of ample lore would counsels of the learned share
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kallaadhaan Sorkaa Murudhal MulaiyirantumIllaadhaal Penkaamur Ratru
Meaning in plain English
The desire of the unlearned to speak (in an assembly), is like a woman without breasts desiring (the enjoyment of ) woman-hood
Poetic translation
Like those who doat on hoyden's undeveloped charms are they, Of learning void, who eagerly their power of words display
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kallaa Thavarum Naninallar KatraarmunSollaa Thirukkap Perin
Meaning in plain English
The unlearned also are very excellent men, if they know how to keep silence before the learned
Poetic translation
The blockheads, too, may men of worth appear, If they can keep from speaking where the learned hear
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kallaadhaan Otpam Kazhiyanan RaayinumKollaar Arivutai Yaar
Meaning in plain English
Although the natural knowledge of an unlearned man may be very good, the wise will not accept for true knowledge
Poetic translation
From blockheads' lips, when words of wisdom glibly flow, The wise receive them not, though good they seem to show
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kallaa Oruvan Thakaimai ThalaippeydhuSollaatach Chorvu Patum
Meaning in plain English
The self-conceit of an unlearned man will fade away, as soon as he speaks in an assembly (of
Poetic translation
As worthless shows the worth of man unlearned, When council meets, by words he speaks discerned
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ularennum Maaththiraiyar Allaal PayavaakKalaranaiyar Kallaa Thavar
Meaning in plain English
The unlearned are like worthless barren land: all that can be said of them is, that they exist
Poetic translation
'They are': so much is true of men untaught; But, like a barren field, they yield us nought
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Nunmaan Nuzhaipulam Illaan EzhilnalamManmaan Punaipaavai Yatru
Meaning in plain English
The beauty and goodness of one who is destitute of knowledge by the study of great and exquisite works, is like (the beauty and goodness) of a painted earthen doll
Poetic translation
Who lack the power of subtle, large, and penetrating sense, Like puppet, decked with ornaments of clay, their beauty's vain pretence
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Nallaarkan Patta Varumaiyin InnaadheKallaarkan Patta Thiru
Meaning in plain English
Wealth, gained by the unlearned, will give more sorrow than the poverty which may come upon the learned
Poetic translation
To men unlearned, from fortune's favour greater-evil springsThan poverty to men of goodly wisdom brings
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Merpirandhaa Raayinum Kallaadhaar KeezhppirandhumKatraar Anaiththilar Paatu
Meaning in plain English
The unlearned, though born in a high caste, are not equal in dignity to the learned; though they may have been born in a low caste
Poetic translation
Lower are men unlearned, though noble be their race, Than low-born men adorned with learning's grace
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Vilangotu Makkal Anaiyar IlangunoolKatraarotu Enai Yavar
Meaning in plain English
As beasts by the side of men, so are other men by the side of those who are learned in celebrated works
Poetic translation
Learning's irradiating grace who gain, Others excel, as men the bestial train
G. U. Pope, 1886