Cherishing of Kindred

Name: Cherishing of Kindred
Author: Thiruvalluvar

The work emphasizes the significance of familial bonds and the unwavering support that kindred provide, especially during challenging times. It asserts that true prosperity is intertwined with the love and loyalty of one's family. A person who lacks joy in their relationships with relatives is compared to a tank without boundaries, suggesting that without these connections, wealth and success will dissipate. The text advocates for nurturing relationships with family, highlighting that generosity and kindness attract kin. A person who is open-handed and avoids harboring anger will naturally draw their relatives closer. The analogy of a crow sharing food illustrates the importance of selflessness and communal support in maintaining prosperity. It also discusses the dynamics of familial relationships, suggesting that a ruler should recognize the varying needs and contributions of different relatives rather than treating them uniformly. This approach acknowledges the complexities of family ties and the potential for favoritism. The work addresses the possibility of reconciliation with estranged relatives, indicating that the root cause of discord should be identified and resolved to restore harmony. However, it advises caution when accepting a returning kinsman, emphasizing the need for discernment in rekindling relationships. Overall, the text underscores the value of kinship, advocating for nurturing these bonds through generosity, understanding, and careful management of relationships to ensure lasting prosperity and support.

By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2000 · Genre: Philosophy, Self-help, Poetry · 231 words

First lines

Constancy of attachment even in adversity belongeth only unto kindred.

If a man is blessed with kindred whose love for him bateth not, his fortunes will never cease to grow.

The man who rejoiceth not in the intimacy of his kindred is like a tank without bunds: the waters of prosperity will flow away from him.

To gather and attach one's kindred to oneself: that is the use and purpose of prosperity.

What this Textopian page supports

Cherishing of Kindred 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: Philosophy, Self-help, Poetry, Ethics, Sociology
Length: 231 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Philosophy — The text explores deep themes of kinship, attachment, and the moral implications of relationships, characteristic of philosophical discourse.
Self-help — The work provides practical advice on maintaining and nurturing relationships with kindred, aligning with self-help literature.
Poetry — The writing style is poetic, employing metaphor and imagery to convey its messages about kinship and prosperity.
Ethics — The text discusses ethical behavior in relationships, emphasizing generosity and the importance of maintaining familial bonds.