Abstaining from Drink
The work critiques the detrimental effects of alcohol consumption on individuals and society. It emphasizes that those who indulge in drinking lose their respect and fear from enemies, ultimately leading to a loss of glory. The text argues that abstaining from alcohol is essential for maintaining one's esteem among the virtuous. It portrays intoxication as a disgraceful state, not only in the eyes of others but also in the eyes of one's own family. The narrative highlights the foolishness of spending resources on alcohol, which only leads to a state of insensibility. It compares habitual drinkers to the dead, suggesting that their lives lack vitality and purpose. The work also addresses the secretive nature of drinking, indicating that such behavior will eventually be recognized by the community, resulting in contempt. The text critiques the denial of intoxicated individuals, asserting that claiming ignorance of one's drunkenness is merely an extension of their vice. It draws a parallel between the sober observer of drunkenness and the intoxicated individual, suggesting that self-awareness is crucial. The overarching message advocates for sobriety as a means to preserve dignity, respect, and a meaningful existence.
By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2000 · Genre: Philosophical, Didactic, Moral Literature · 265 words
First lines
Behold the men who are addicted to drink: they will never be feared by their enemies, and even the glory they have acquired they will lose.
Let none drink: but if they desire, let those men drink who care not for the esteem of worthy men.
The sight of the man who is intoxicated is an abomination even unto his own mother: what must it be then to the worthy?
Behold the man who is addicted to the low vice of drunkenness: the fair one called Shame turneth her back upon him.
What this Textopian page supports
Abstaining from Drink is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thiruvalluvar, dated 2000 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thiruvalluvar
- Date: 2000 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical, Didactic, Moral Literature, Social Commentary, Poetry
- Length: 265 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Abstaining from Drink by Thiruvalluvar
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Abstaining from Drink?
- How does this essay by Thiruvalluvar fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Glorification Of Righteousness by Thiruvalluvar
- The Degraded Life by Thiruvalluvar
- Refraining From Offending The Great Ones by Thiruvalluvar
- Abstaining From Fraud by Thiruvalluvar
- Realisation Of The Truth by Thiruvalluvar
- Refraining From Slander by Thiruvalluvar
Genres
- Philosophical — The text explores moral and ethical implications of drinking, reflecting on the nature of virtue and vice.
- Didactic — The work serves an instructional purpose, aiming to educate readers on the dangers of alcohol consumption.
- Moral Literature — It emphasizes moral lessons regarding self-control and the consequences of addiction.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal attitudes towards drinking and its impact on personal and communal respect.
Tags
Tamil Literature · Ethics · Morality · Self-Control · Temperance · Abstinence · Spirituality · Philosophy · Ancient Texts · Indian Classics · Poetic Prose · Social Commentary