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Kural No. 237 · Virtue (Aram) · Ch 24

Renown

புகழ்
Original Kural · ஓலைச்சுவடி
புகழ்பட வாழாதார் தந்நோவார் தம்மை
இகழ்வாரை நோவது எவன்?

Pukazhpata Vaazhaadhaar Thannovaar Thammai / Ikazhvaarai Novadhu Evan?

Classical English couplet — “If you your days will spend devoid of goodly fame,When men despise, why blame them? You've yourself to blame”

Read this Kural in your own language
Choose from 26 languages · narrated with native voice
A
Simple English Meaning
AI-assisted

What it says in plain words

“If our actions do not earn respect, why blame those who criticize us? We should look at our own behavior instead.”

B
எளிய தமிழ் விளக்கம் · Simple Tamil Interpretation

The classical Tamil reading

தமக்குப் புகழ் உண்டாகுமாறு வாழமுடியாதவர் தம்மைத் தாம் நொந்து கொள்ளாமல் தம்மை இகழ்கின்றவரை நொந்து கொள்ளக் காரணம் என்ன?

C
ஆழமான தமிழ் விளக்கம் · Deeper Tamil Commentary

An expanded Tamil interpretation

உண்மையான புகழுடன் வாழ முடியாதவர்கள், அதற்காகத் தம்மை நொந்து கொள்ள வேண்டுமே தவிரத் தமது செயல்களை இகழ்ந்து பேசுகிறவர்களை நொந்து கொள்வது எதற்காக?

D
Deeper English Meaning
AI-assisted

The ethical and philosophical heart

Respect grows from how we live, not from demanding praise. When criticism points to our poor behavior, blaming others changes nothing. The useful first step is to look at our own actions. This helps us see what we need to change.

E
Practical Example (English)
AI-assisted

In personal life, work and society

Personal
After breaking a promise, you admit your mistake instead of blaming your disappointed friend.
Workplace
When coworkers complain about your late work, you improve your planning instead of arguing.
Family
When your children complain that you never listen, you put down your phone and hear them.
Society
When neighbors criticize your littering, you clean up instead of getting angry.
F
Modern Application (English)
AI-assisted

How to apply this today

Decision-making
Before reacting to criticism, check whether your own choices caused the problem.
Integrity
Admit your mistakes rather than blame people who point them out.
Communication
Discuss the mistake honestly instead of attacking the person who raised it.
Leadership
Earn your team's respect through your actions rather than demanding praise.
Governance
Public officials should address their failures rather than blame citizens who criticize them.
G
Leadership Lesson (English)
AI-assisted

For leaders and teams

When others criticize your conduct, check your own actions first. Show how to accept mistakes and change your behavior.

H
Reflection Question (English)
AI-assisted

Something to sit with

“What recent criticism could help you see something you need to change?”

Thirukkural Wisdom

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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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