Thirukkural Chapter 98 - Greatness

Couplet 971 
The light of life is mental energy; disgrace is his
Who says, 'I 'ill lead a happy life devoid of this.'
Explanation
One's light is the abundance of one's courage; one's darkness is the desire to live destitute of such (a state of mind.)

Couplet 972 
All men that live are one in circumstances of birth;
Diversities of works give each his special worth
Explanation
All human beings agree as regards their birth but differ as regards their characteristics, because of the different qualities of their actions

Couplet 973 
The men of lofty line, whose souls are mean, are never great
The men of lowly birth, when high of soul, are not of low estate
Explanation
Though (raised) above, the base cannot become great; though (brought) low, the great cannot become base

Couplet 974 
Like single-hearted women, greatness too,
Exists while to itself is true
Explanation
Exists while to itself is true

Couplet 975 
The man endowed with greatness true,
Rare deeds in perfect wise will do
Explanation
(Though reduced) the great will be able to perform, in the proper way, deeds difficult (for others to do)

Couplet 976 
'As votaries of the truly great we will ourselves enroll,'
Is thought that enters not the mind of men of little soul
Explanation
It is never in the nature of the base to seek the society of the great and partake of their nature

Couplet 977 
Whene'er distinction lights on some unworthy head,
Then deeds of haughty insolence are bred
Explanation
Even nobility of birth, wealth and learning, if in (the possession of) the base, will (only) produce everincreasing pride

Couplet 978 
Greatness humbly bends, but littleness always
Spreads out its plumes, and loads itself with praise
Explanation
The great will always humble himself; but the mean will exalt himself in self-admiration

Couplet 979 
Greatness is absence of conceit; meanness, we deem,
Riding on car of vanity supreme
Explanation
Freedom from conceit is (the nature of true) greatness; (while) obstinacy therein is (that of) meanness

Couplet 980 
Greatness will hide a neighbour's shame;
Meanness his faults to all the world proclaim
Explanation
The great hide the faults of others; the base only divulge them