Respectability of Birth
The work emphasizes the intrinsic value of noble birth and the responsibilities that accompany it. It asserts that individuals from esteemed families naturally possess qualities such as rectitude, shame, and moral integrity. These individuals are characterized by their adherence to correct conduct, truthfulness, and a strong sense of honor. Key attributes of a true gentleman are outlined, including a pleasant demeanor, generosity, eloquence, and humility. The text underscores that those from noble lineages prioritize their family's reputation above material wealth, refusing to compromise their integrity for any gain. The narrative highlights the importance of maintaining honorable traditions and the avoidance of deceitful or ignoble actions. It suggests that any wrongdoing by a person of noble birth is glaringly apparent, akin to a blemish on the moon. Furthermore, it posits that a person's speech reflects their lineage, indicating that rudeness can cast doubt on one's legitimacy. The work concludes with the notion that to attain virtue and honor one's family, one must cultivate a sense of shame and show respect to all individuals. This reinforces the idea that noble birth carries with it a duty to uphold moral standards and contribute positively to society.
By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2000 · Genre: Philosophy, Literary Criticism, Sociology · 242 words
First lines
Rectitude and a sense of shame come by nature only to men who are born of a good family.
Men of family fall not from three things, namely, correct conduct, truth, and a sense of shame.
Four are the attributes of the true gentleman: a smiling face, a liberal hand, sweetness of speech, and condescension.
Men of family would not tarnish their name even for the sake of tens of millions.
What this Textopian page supports
Respectability of Birth 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, Literary Criticism, Sociology, Self-help, Ethics
- Length: 242 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Respectability of Birth by Thiruvalluvar
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Judging Of The Audience by Thiruvalluvar
- Sensitiveness To Shame by Thiruvalluvar
- Principles by Mark Rutherford
- Testing Of Fitness For Friendship by Thiruvalluvar
- Purity Of Action by Thiruvalluvar
- Abstaining From Deeds That Cause Trepidation by Thiruvalluvar
Genres
- Philosophy — The text explores moral values, ethics, and the importance of family lineage, which are central themes in philosophical discourse.
- Literary Criticism — The work critiques societal norms regarding birth and respectability, making it relevant to literary analysis of social structures.
- Sociology — The themes of family honor and societal expectations reflect sociological concerns about social behavior and family dynamics.
- Self-help — The emphasis on personal conduct and virtue provides guidance for individual behavior and moral development.
Tags
Philosophy · Ethics · Morality · Social Hierarchy · Class System · Caste System · Indian Literature · Tamil Literature · Ancient Texts · Wisdom Literature · Poetic Prose · Didactic Writing