Kural 0395 - 📚 கற்றல் தான் செல்வம் – Learning is True Wealth

Kural 395: True humility lies in learning. Wealth fades, but ignorance is the real poverty. Insights, practices, story.

💡 சிந்தனை - Insight

Key Questions

  • Universal: Why do I feel small before those who have wealth, even if I have knowledge?
  • Universal: What truly makes a person poor—lack of money or lack of learning?
  • Universal: How should I approach others if I want to keep learning all my life?
  • Scholar (Leadership): How can humility in learning prevent arrogance in power?
  • Scholar (Management): Why must managers stay learners even after gaining authority?
  • Scholar (Business): What is the greater poverty in organizations—lack of capital or lack of knowledge?
  • Scholar (Philosophy/Aristotle): Does true wisdom begin with the admission of ignorance?
  • Scholar (Stoic): How does lowering oneself to learn reflect strength rather than weakness?
  • Scholar (Economics/Amartya Sen): Is ignorance a form of capability-deprivation worse than financial poverty?

Key Insight

Thiruvalluvar: Knowledge is the only true wealth; even the wise bow like beggars to gain it. But to live without learning is the lowest poverty, darker than hunger or want.

📜 குறள் – Kural

குறள் 395

உடையார்முன் இல்லார்போல் ஏக்கற்றுங் கற்றார்
கடையரே கல்லா தவர்
[பொருட்பால், அரசியல், கல்வி]

சந்தி பிரிப்பு 

உடையார்முன் இல்லார்போல் ஏக்கற்றும் கற்றார்
கடையரே கல்லாதவர்

Transliteration

Utaiyaarmun Illaarpol Ekkatrung Katraar
Kataiyare Kallaa Thavar
— (Transliteration)

uṭaiyārmuṉ illārpōl ēkkaṟṟuṅ kaṟṟār
kaṭaiyarē kallā tavar.
— (Transliteration)

English Translation

Even the learned stoop like the poor before the rich;
but only the unlearned are truly lowly.

Purpose of This Kural

The purpose of this kural is to teach that humility in learning is greater than pride in wealth. It emphasizes that knowledge is the highest possession, and ignorance—not lack of riches—is the true mark of poverty.

Relevance / Need in Today’s Context

In an age where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce, this kural reminds us that learning requires humility, openness, and self-effort. It stresses that lifelong learning and intellectual hunger matter more than material wealth or status.

🔤📚பதவுரை - Design of Words

(Building blocks of the verse)

பதவுரை - Word Meanings in Tamil

உடைமை - uṭaimai   n. [T. K. oḍame, M.uḍama.] 1. The state of possessing, having,owning; உடையனாந்தன்மை. அன்பீனு மார்வ முடைமை (குறள், 74). 2. Possession, property; உடைமைப்பொருள். உடைமை யெல்லாமும் (திருவாச. 33,7). 3. Wealth, riches; செல்வம் உடைமையாற்போத்தந்த நுமர் (கலித். 58).  

உடையார் - உடையவர்கள் ; uṭaiyār   n. id. Hon. pl. 1.Lord, master; சுவாமி உடையார் . . . திருவிழாவில் (S.I.I. ii, 306). 2. Title of certain castesof cultivators; சிலசாதியாரின் பட்டப்பெயர் 3.A village official in North and East Ceylon;இலங்கையில் ஒரு கிராம உத்தியோகஸ்தன் 4. Pl.The rich, as those who have world's goods;செல்வர். உடையார்மு னில்லார்போல் (குறள், 395).

உடையவர் - ஆன்மாக்களை அடிமையாக உடையவர்; சுவாமி ஆன்மார்த்தலிங்கம்; செல்வர் இராமானுசர்;

உடையவர் - uṭaiyavar   n. உடைமை Hon. pl. 1. Master, lord; சுவாமி உடையவர்கோயில் (பெரியபு. திருஞான. 664). 2. Šiva-liṅgaused in private worship; ஆன்மார்த்த லிங்கம் 3. Rāmānuja, the Guru of Šrī Vaiṣṇavas; இராமானுசர் (ஈடு, 10, 7, 1.) 

உடைமை - உடையனாகும்uṭaimai   n. [T. K. oḍame, M.uḍama.] 1. The state of possessing, having,owning; உடையனாந்தன்மை. அன்பீனு மார்வ முடைமை (குறள், 74). 2. Possession, property; உடைமைப்பொருள். உடைமை யெல்லாமும் (திருவாச. 33,7). 3. Wealth, riches; செல்வம் உடைமையாற்போத்தந்த நுமர் (கலித். 58).  தன்மை; உடைமைப்பொருள்; செல்வம் அணிகலன் உரிமை உரியவை.

முன் - முன்பு; முன்னே; இடத்தால்முன்; காலத்தால்முன்; உயர்ச்சி; முதல்; பழைமை; ஏழனுருபு; மனக்குறிப்பு; காண்க:முன்றோன்றல்.

இல்லார் - இல்லாதவர்

போல் - ஓர்உவமவுருபு; பொய்; ஓர்அசைச்சொல்; உள்ளீடில்லாதது; பதர்; மூங்கில்; வெற்றி; படை; வாள்.

ஏக்கற்றும் ஏக்கறுதல் - இளைத்துஇடைதல்; ஆசையால்தாழ்ந்துநிற்றல்; விரும்புதல்.

கற்றார் - கற்றவர்கள் ;சான்றோர்

கடையரே - கடையர் - கீழானவர், இழிந்தோர்; மருதநிலத்தவர்; வாயிற்காப்போர்; பள்ளருள்ஒருவகுப்பார்.

கடை - முடிவு; இடம்; எல்லை; அங்காடி; கீழ்மை; தாழ்ந்தோன்; வாயில்; புறவாயில்; பக்கம்; பணிப்பூட்டு; காம்பு; ஒருவினையெச்சவிகுதி; ஏழனுருபு; பின்; கீழ்; சோர்வு; வழி; பெண்குறி

கல்லாதவர் - கற்காதவர்

Unpacking Each Word — Its Meaning and Impact

உடையார் (uṭaiyār) – the ones with wealth, masters, the rich
👉 A word of authority and possession. By placing them first, the kural creates a visible “height” — they stand tall in society. The term itself carries prestige and power.

முன் (mun) – before, in front, precedence, priority
👉 Spatial and symbolic. It does not just mean physical presence but social positioning. “Before” means hierarchy, influence, and the gaze of others.

இல்லார் (illār) – those without, the poor
👉 More than “not having.” It is a word of void, absolute negation. The contrast is heightened: before those who “have,” are those who “don’t have.” Creates a visual polarity.

போல் (pōl) – like, as if, a comparison marker
👉 This makes it not literal but performative. They act as though they are the poor. A conscious projection, not actual poverty.

ஏக்கற்றும் (ēkkaṟṟum) – to droop, to yearn, to be weighed down by longing
👉 Not mere imitation. It’s the emotion of deprivation enacted—the learned man bends himself into the image of lacking. Suggests humility and restraint before wealth.

கற்றார் (kaṟṟār) – the learned, those who studied, internalized wisdom
👉 This is the anchor. It distinguishes real power: the rich in knowledge. Their wealth is invisible but greater. They consciously lower themselves, unlike others who crave to appear elevated.

கடையரே (kaṭaiyarē) – truly the lowly, inferior ones
👉 A cutting verdict. The suffix –ē makes it emphatic: “indeed, verily, without doubt.” This sharpens the contrast—those who lack learning fall to the lowest tier, no matter wealth.

கல்லாதவர் (kallādavar) – the unlearned, the ignorant
👉 Final blow. It is not poverty of possessions, but poverty of knowledge that makes one truly degraded. Ends with a negation, emphasizing hollowness.

Summary in Style

  • உடையார் → Wealthy stand as visible power.
  • முன் → Context of hierarchy and stage-setting.
  • இல்லார் → Creates sharp void/contrast (possession vs absence).
  • போல் → Not literal, but a deliberate act (humility as performance).
  • ஏக்கற்றும் → Inner lowering, not just appearance (yearning posture).
  • கற்றார் → Knowledge is the silent true wealth.
  • கடையரே → Strong judgment—real lowliness defined.
  • கல்லாதவர் → Ignorance, not poverty, is ultimate downfall.
👉 Essence: The kural elevates knowledge above wealth. It constructs an image: the wise bend like the poor before the rich—but the truly poor are those without learning, not those without gold

Contextual Understanding — Why, Where, What, When, How?

Why this word order?
  • Starts with உடையார் (wealthy) to establish visible dominance (social realism).
  • Then contrasts with இல்லார் (poor)—opposite polarity.
  • Only after setting the social scene does it introduce the கற்றார் (learned) and overturn the expectation.
Where does it apply?
  • Court, palace, assemblies—where wealth commands attention.
  • Also in village life—where rich landlords overshadow others.
What is being done?
  • The wise consciously stage humility. They act as if deprived before the rich.
  • This is both a social tactic and a moral reflection.
When does it matter?
  • In contexts of governance, leadership, assemblies, where appearances influence standing.
  • In society, where wealth alone seems to dominate but the sage sees beyond.
How does the poetry work?
  • Repetition/Contrast: உடையார் / இல்லார் — symmetrical sound, semantic opposition.
  • Metaphoric image: Knowledge-rich stooping like materially poor.
  • Climactic reversal: Kallāthavar (unlearned) revealed as the true degraded ones.
  • Adjective choice: ஏக்கற்றும் (drooping with longing) intensifies the imagery—not a neutral “appear,” but a vivid enactment of neediness.
👉 The kural stages a social drama: wealthy seated high, poor stooped low, the learned choosing to stoop, and the ignorant revealed as the truly lowest.

📝 பொழிப்புரை - Full Meaning

முழுப்பொருள் — Full Meaning in Tamil

செல்வந்தர்கள் முன்பும் கொடையாளிகள் முன்பும் தன் தேவைக்காக யாசகம் செய்யும் வறியவர்கள் போல அறிவிற்சிறந்த சான்றோர்களிடம் கற்க விரும்பி ஆசையாக அவர்களிடம் தாழ்ந்து/பணிந்து நின்று கற்பவர் கற்றார் எனப்படுவார்கள். மாறாக விரும்பியும் பணிந்தும் கற்காதவர்கள் கீழோர் ஆவர். 

கற்காதவர்கள் யாசித்தாவது கற்க வேண்டும். அப்படி தான் தன்னுடைய அறியாமை என்னும் இருளில் இருந்து வெளிவர முடியும். அப்படி கற்கவில்லையென்றால் அறியாமை என்னும் இருளில் துன்பப்படும் கீழோர் எனவே கருதப்படும்.

மேலும் எல்லா பொதுக்கல்வியும் சராசரி ஞானத்தையே அளிக்கின்றன. தற்கல்வி மட்டுமே தனியான ஞானத்தை அளிக்கிறது. தற்கல்வி என்பது பொதுக்கல்விக்கு மேலதிகமாகவே கற்கப்படும். ஒருவரின் பள்ளிப்படிப்பு பட்டப்படிப்பு படிப்பது பொதுக்கல்வி. ஓர் குருவிடமிருந்து அல்லது நீங்களே முயன்று பலவற்றை கற்றுக்கொள்வது தற்கல்வி. பொதுக்கல்வி பெற்று அதன் மேல் கூடுதல் தேடல்கொண்டுதான் நாம் தற்கல்வியைச் சென்றடைகிறோம்.

“பிச்சைப் புகினும் கற்கை நன்றே” என்ற வாக்கினை நினைவில் கொள்ளவும். 

மற்ற உரைகள் — Interpretations by Other Tamil Commentators

பரிமேலழகர் உரை

உடையார்முன் இல்லார் போல் ஏக்கற்றும் கற்றார் - 'பிற்றை நிலைமுனியாது கற்றல் நன்று' (புறநா.183) ஆதலான் , செல்வர்முன் நல்கூர்ந்தார் நிற்குமாறு போலத் தாமும் ஆசிரியர்முன் ஏக்கற்று நின்றும் கற்றார் தலையாயினார். கல்லாதவர் கடையரே - அந்நிலைக்கு நாணிக் கல்லாதவர் எஞ்ஞான்றும் இழிந்தாரேயாவர்.
(உடையார், இல்லார் என்பன உலகவழக்கு. ஏக்கறுதல் ஆசையால் தாழ்தல். கடையர் என்றதனான், அதன் மறுதலைப் பெயர் வருவிக்கப்பட்டது. பொய்யாய மானம் நோக்க மெய்யாய கல்வி இழந்தார் பின் ஒரு ஞான்றும் அறிவுடைய ராகாமையின், 'கடையரே' என்றார். இதனால் கற்றாரது உயர்வும் கல்லாதாரது இழிவும் கூறப்பட்டன.).

மணக்குடவர் உரை

பொருளுடையார் முன்பு பொருளில்லாதார் நிற்குமாறு போல, அதனைக் காதலித்து நிற்றலுமன்றிக் கற்றாரிடத்தாவர் கல்லாதார்.

இது கற்றார் எல்லாரினுந் தலையாவாரென்றது.

மு.வரதராசனார் உரை

செல்வர் முன் வறியவர் நிற்பது போல் (கற்றவர்முன்) ஏங்கித் தாழ்ந்து நின்றும் கல்விக் கற்றவரே உயர்ந்தவர், கல்லாதவர் இழிந்தவர்.

சாலமன் பாப்பையா உரை

செல்வர் முன்னே ஏழைகள் நிற்பது போல் ஆசிரியர் முன்னே, விரும்பிப் பணிந்து கற்றவரே உயர்ந்தவர்; அப்படி நின்று கற்க வெட்கப்பட்டுக் கல்லாதவர், இழிந்தவரே.

புலியூர்க் கேசிகன் உரை

செல்வர்களின் முன்னே உதவி கேட்கும் எளியவர் பணிவோடு நிற்பது போல, ஆசிரியரிடம் பணிந்து நின்று கற்றவரே சிறந்தவர்; கல்லாதவரோ கடையர்!  

குறளும் பொருளும் - பா.ராகவன் உரை 

கல்வி கற்பதில் கௌரவம் பாராதே.

அவனிவன் பக்கங்கள் - அஷோக் சுப்ரமணியன் உரை

யான் தமிழ் காணொளி 

மேலும்/More

Comprehensive English Meaning & Poetic Rendering

Thirukkural 395 presents a powerful metaphor: just as the poor stand humbly before the rich, the learned, too, stand with humility before others, eager to seek more knowledge. Possession of wisdom does not grant pride; rather, it deepens the appetite to learn further. This posture of humility is not weakness but the mark of a true learner. All it matters is 1) having ears to listen 2) having the appetite to learn. Such persons are learned person or learners.

At the same time, the kural delivers a sharp judgment: those who refuse to learn, even when opportunities surround them, are the truly lowly. Poverty in wealth is tolerable, but poverty in knowledge is degrading. Ignorance is described as the most binding form of deprivation, keeping one in darkness and dependence.

The verse further implies that real education extends beyond formal schooling. Knowledge is a lifelong pursuit, cultivated through self-learning, discussion, mentorship, and humility. One may beg for food in hunger, but begging for knowledge is nobler, for it nourishes the mind and frees one from ignorance. Thus, humility in learning is elevated as a virtue, and refusal to learn is condemned as true poverty.

Poetic Rendering 

The wise, though rich in thought,
bow like beggars before the wealthy,
yet the poorest of all the earth
are those who never seek to learn.
Gold may glitter, titles may fade,
but minds unlit remain in shade.

📚🔭 சிந்தனைவெளி - Global Parallels 

தமிழ் இலக்கியச் செல்வம் - ஒப்புமை — Parallels in Other Tamil Literary Works:

Parallels from World Thought:

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics)
  • "The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know."
  • True wisdom begins with humility before knowledge, not pride in what one holds.
Socrates (Plato’s Apology)
  • "I am wiser than this man, for neither of us knows anything, but he thinks he knows."
  • Knowledge is shown by humility; ignorance by arrogance.
Peter Drucker (Management Thinker)
  • "The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said."
  • Leaders must remain learners, stooping to listen before assuming authority.
Seneca (Stoic Philosopher)
  • "While we teach, we learn."
  • The learned remain humble and receptive, while the ignorant stay closed.
Amartya Sen (Economist, Nobel Laureate)
  • "Poverty is not just lack of income, but lack of capability."
  • Ignorance is the deepest poverty, limiting freedom more than money.

🥁 எழுத்தாளர் ஜெயமோகனின் வெண்முரசு — Thematic Snippets from Venmurasu

🧠 அகப்பயணம் – Inner Exploration

Scholar’s Questions — Valluvar’s Answers

Universal – Why do I feel small before those who have wealth, even if I have knowledge?
Thiruvalluvar: Even the wise may stoop before the wealthy, but remember—their true stature is measured not by gold but by learning.

Universal – What truly makes a person poor—lack of money or lack of learning?
Thiruvalluvar: Poverty of wealth can be endured; but poverty of knowledge makes one truly low, for it darkens both dignity and growth.

Universal – How should I approach others if I want to keep learning all my life?
Thiruvalluvar: Approach like the needy before the giver—humble, open, eager—then learning will flow and enrich you endlessly.

Scholar (Leadership) – How can humility in learning prevent arrogance in power?
Thiruvalluvar: When knowledge bends before others, pride is tamed; the leader who remains a learner governs without arrogance.

Scholar (Management) – Why must managers stay learners even after gaining authority?
Thiruvalluvar: Authority without learning is hollow; by seeking wisdom like the poor seek bread, managers sustain true relevance.

Scholar (Business) – What is the greater poverty in organizations—lack of capital or lack of knowledge?
Thiruvalluvar: Capital may be raised again, but ignorance starves progress; the truly poor company is the one that refuses to learn.

Scholar (Philosophy/Aristotle) – Does true wisdom begin with the admission of ignorance?
Thiruvalluvar: Yes—just as the poor acknowledge their want before the wealthy, the wise admit their limits, and thus grow.

Scholar (Stoic) – How does lowering oneself to learn reflect strength rather than weakness?
Thiruvalluvar: The bowed head is not weakness but strength; by lowering, it receives the stream of wisdom that uplifts.

Scholar (Economics/Amartya Sen) – Is ignorance a form of capability-deprivation worse than financial poverty?
Thiruvalluvar: Indeed; wealth without knowledge is empty, but knowledge without wealth is still power—the absence of learning cripples all capability.

Thiruvalluvar: Knowledge is the only true wealth; even the wise bow like beggars to gain it. But to live without learning is the lowest poverty, darker than hunger or want.

🧠 Think With Me — Questions for Curious Young Minds (Ages 13–21)

  1. Can you remember a time you didn’t know something, but learned it by asking or listening to someone else?
    This builds awareness that humility and curiosity are the real doors to learning.

  2. If you had to choose—lots of money but no knowledge, or lots of knowledge but little money—what would you take, and why?
    This helps children reflect on the lasting value of knowledge compared to wealth.

  3. Why do you think even teachers, scientists, or leaders still read and learn from others?
    This turns reflection into a lifelong lesson: learning never stops, no matter how high you rise.

Bonus Question

How should knowledgeable people learn? When is a literate people is considered stupid ?

🌿 கதைகள் - Stories

Story: The Two Merchants


Once in a bustling town, there were two merchants. One was very wealthy but knew little beyond counting coins. The other was modest in wealth but spent his days learning from travelers, teachers, and books. When a great famine came, the rich merchant could only offer food for a short time, and soon his granaries were empty. But the learned merchant used his knowledge of trade, storage, and farming techniques to help the town grow food again. People gathered around him, learned from him, and thrived. The rich man, though once admired, was forgotten. The poor man with knowledge became the leader of the town.

Moral (Essence of the story):

Wealth fades, but learning sustains and uplifts.

Connection to Everyday Life

Just as money can vanish overnight, knowledge is the true resource that carries us through hard times.

🌙 Bedtime Story: The Little Crow Who Wanted to Learn


Once there was a little crow who saw other birds carrying shiny things. He felt sad because he had nothing shiny. One day, he met an old owl. The owl said, “Don’t worry about shiny things. If you learn, your mind will shine forever.” The little crow began listening to stories, learning songs, and asking questions. Soon, he could help all the other birds by teaching them where food was, how to build nests, and how to fly far. The other birds respected him more than the ones with shiny stones.

Moral (Essence of the story): 

Knowledge shines brighter than gold.

Connection to Everyday Life:

Even small children can learn every day, and that makes them stronger than just having toys or things.

🛠️நடைமுறை - Practical Tools

Wisdom becomes powerful only when lived. This section offers simple, actionable ways to apply the kural’s insight in daily life.

1. Leadership Tool – The Humble Listener

  • What: Practice bowing your ego in meetings; listen deeply as if every voice has value.
  • How: At the start of discussions, ask a question instead of giving an opinion. Note what others know that you don’t.
  • Impact: Builds trust, prevents arrogance, and keeps leaders adaptive in changing times.

2. Management Tool – Learning Audit

  • What: Periodically audit what you know and don’t know in your role.
  • How: Make a list of areas you avoid due to ignorance. Seek input from juniors, peers, mentors.
  • Impact: Keeps organizations agile; reduces blind spots that cost money and morale.

3. Communication Tool – “Student Mode” in Dialogue

  • What: Enter conversations with curiosity, not dominance.
  • How: Replace statements with questions (“Can you explain that?” “What made you think so?”).
  • Impact: Improves relationships, helps teams feel respected, fosters mutual learning.

4. Family & Relationships Tool – Ask & Learn

  • What: Show humility with children, parents, or partners by admitting what you don’t know.
  • How: Invite them to teach you something. Practice listening without correcting.
  • Impact: Strengthens bonds, creates a culture of respect, and reduces ego conflicts.

5. Philosophical Tool – Beg Like the Poor for Knowledge

  • What: Approach wisdom as if you’re starved and knowledge is food.
  • How: Read, meditate, or ask questions daily with genuine hunger.
  • Impact: Shifts mindset from pride to humility, leading to deep growth.

Daily Micro-Practice Tips

  • At the end of each day, ask yourself: What new thing did I learn today, and from whom?
  • Begin one conversation daily with a question, not a statement.

🌸🧐💎🔍 நுட்பத்தின் இதழ்கள் — Petals of Subtle Insight (Applications in Today’s World)

Like petals of a flower, each kural opens to many meanings—this section shows its relevance through different lenses today. It’s about breadth of meaning, showing readers the range of modern applications of the kural. 

Category: Leadership & Governance
Theme: Humility in learning as the foundation of lasting leadership.
Why: Leaders who keep learning stay relevant; those who stop are the truly poor.

Category: Management & Business
Theme: Knowledge as the true capital of organizations.
Why: Wealth or funding is secondary; learning cultures prevent decline.

Category: Education & Self-Learning
Theme: True education comes through humility and continuous learning.
Why: Schools provide basics, but self-education defines lifelong growth.

Category: Communication & Relationships
Theme: Humility in dialogue creates respect and learning.
Why: Relationships grow not by showing off, but by listening and learning from each other.

Category: Philosophy & Psychology
Theme: Ignorance is the deepest poverty.
Why: Mental growth depends on admitting one’s limits and seeking wisdom.

Category: Personal Growth
Theme: The hunger to learn keeps the spirit alive.
Why: Personal success and dignity come not from wealth, but from the richness of knowledge.

Category: Growth Mindset
Theme: Humility opens the door to lifelong learning and self-improvement.
Why: The Kural highlights that true greatness lies in staying open to learning, just as the poor stand before the wealthy with openness. This reflects the essence of a growth mindset—valuing effort, curiosity, and the ability to grow over static status or wealth.

Category: Curiosity
Theme: Curiosity transforms ignorance into discovery.
Why: Just as the poor approach the wealthy for sustenance, a learner must approach the knowledgeable with questions and eagerness. Curiosity keeps knowledge alive and ensures that growth never stops.

🌿 முக்தாய்ப்பு - Punchline

"அறியாமை வறுமை – Ignorance is Poverty."

Real lowliness is not in lacking riches but in refusing to learn. Stay humble, seek knowledge, and free yourself from darkness.