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Kural No. 441 · Wealth (Porul) · Ch 45

Seeking the Aid of Great Men

பெரியாரைத் துணைக்கோடல்
Original Kural · ஓலைச்சுவடி
அறனறிந்து மூத்த அறிவுடையார் கேண்மை
திறனறிந்து தேர்ந்து கொளல்.

Aranarindhu Mooththa Arivutaiyaar Kenmai / Thiranarindhu Therndhu Kolal

Classical English couplet — “As friends the men who virtue know, and riper wisdom share,Their worth weighed well, the king should choose with care”

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Choose from 26 languages · narrated with native voice
A
Simple English Meaning
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What it says in plain words

“Choose friends who understand what is right and have greater experience and sound judgment. Consider their character carefully, and learn how to build their friendship.”

B
எளிய தமிழ் விளக்கம் · Simple Tamil Interpretation

The classical Tamil reading

அறம் உணர்ந்தவராய்த் தன்னை விட மூத்தவராய் உள்ள அறிவுடையவரின் நட்பை, கொள்ளும் வகை அறிந்து ஆராய்ந்து கொள்ள வேண்டும்.

C
ஆழமான தமிழ் விளக்கம் · Deeper Tamil Commentary

An expanded Tamil interpretation

அறமுணர்ந்த மூதறிஞர்களின் நட்பைப் பெறும் வகை அறிந்து, அதனைத் தேர்ந்தெடுத்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும்

D
Deeper English Meaning
AI-assisted

The ethical and philosophical heart

The people we turn to can shape our choices. Look for good character and sound judgment, not just greater age. Notice how they treat others and handle difficult choices. Take care when choosing whose friendship and advice to seek.

E
Practical Example (English)
AI-assisted

In personal life, work and society

Personal
Before borrowing money, seek advice from an experienced friend who acts honestly.
Workplace
Build a friendship with an experienced coworker who treats people fairly.
Family
Ask a thoughtful older relative for guidance during a family disagreement.
Society
Seek help from experienced neighbors known for making fair choices.
F
Modern Application (English)
AI-assisted

How to apply this today

Decision-making
Consider a person's character and experience before seeking their advice.
Integrity
Choose advisers who act honestly, even when honesty costs them.
Communication
Ask thoughtful questions and listen carefully to experienced people you trust.
Leadership
Build lasting ties with people whose good judgment can guide you.
Governance
Choose public advisers for their good character, experience, and sound judgment.
G
Leadership Lesson (English)
AI-assisted

For leaders and teams

Choose helpers with good character and greater experience. Take time to know them and earn their friendship.

H
Reflection Question (English)
AI-assisted

Something to sit with

“Whose good character and experience could guide you, and how might you build that friendship?”

Thirukkural Wisdom

Ancient Tamil wisdom — made simple, practical and useful for the modern world, in your own language.

Disclaimer

This application provides educational explanations of the Thirukkural. English meanings and AI-assisted explanations are intended to make the text easier to understand. Classical texts can have multiple valid interpretations.

Thirukkural Wisdom for the World·Timeless Tamil couplets for global minds·© 2026
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