The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 98
CHAPTER 98
GREATNESS
971. An aspiration for noble achievement, that is what is called greatness : and littleness is the thought that sayeth, I shall live without it.
972. The manner of birth is the same for all men: but their reputations vary because they differ in the lives that they lead.
972. Even if they are noble, those that are not noble are not noble; and even if they are low-born, those that are not low are not low.
974. Even as chastity in a woman, greatness can be maintained only by being true to one's own self.
975. Those that are great have the puissance to employ adequate means and achieve things that are impossible for others.
976. It is not in the grain of small men to revere the great and earn their good will and favour.
977. If fortune falleth to the lot of the little-minded their insolence will know no bounds.
978. Greatness is ever unpretending and modest: but littleness vaunteth its merits before all the world.
979. Greatness showeth condescension unto all: but littleness is the very acme of insolence.
980. Greatness is always for screening the infirmities of others : but littleness will talk nothing but scandal.
