Tirukural

CHAPTER 100

Possession of Courtesy

991

They say if a man is easily accessible to everyone, the virtue of courtesy will be easily accessible to him.§

992

Loving kindness and birth in a good family— these two are said to confer on one a gracious manner.§

993

Resemblance among humans is not that their bodies look alike. Real similarities come from similar traits of courtesy.§

994

The world commends the civility of those who combine fruitful effort and kindly benevolence.§

995

Disparaging words are painful even when uttered in jest. Hence, knowers of human nature are courteous even to enemies.§

996

The world exists because civilized men exist. Without them, it would collapse into mere dust.§

997

Though their minds are as sharp as a wood rasp, men without human decency are as wooden as a tree.§

998

It is disgraceful to be discourteous towards others, even to unfriendly fellows who treat you unjustly.§

999

To those who cannot smile in joy, this wide world lies engulfed in darkness, even in broad daylight.§

1000

Great wealth amassed by men who lack sweet courtesy is like good milk turned sour in an unclean vessel.§