Thirukkural · அறத்துப்பால் · புகழ்

Thirukkural 236

Kural 236

தோன்றின் புகழொடு தோன்றுக அஃதிலார்
தோன்றலின் தோன்றாமை நன்று.

Thondrin Pukazhotu Thondruka Aqdhilaar
Thondralin Thondraamai Nandru

If man you walk the stage, appear adorned with glory's grace; Save glorious you can shine, 'twere better hide your face

Meaning

If you are born (in this world), be born with qualities conductive to fame From those who are destitute of them it will be better not to be born.

Plain English meaning from the 19th-century prose translation by W. H. Drew and John Lazarus. The verse above is G. U. Pope's translation (1886).

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