The Neglecting of Instruction
The work emphasizes the critical importance of education and knowledge in shaping an individual's character and societal standing. It begins by illustrating the futility of seeking respect or authority without a solid foundation of learning, comparing it to playing a game without the necessary tools. The text critiques those who, despite lacking knowledge, aspire to be seen as eloquent or wise, highlighting the inevitable shame that follows when they speak in public. It underscores that even a fool can appear wise by remaining silent, while the opinions of the ignorant are often dismissed, regardless of their apparent logic. The narrative portrays the uneducated as barren land, yielding no value or contribution to society, merely existing without purpose. The contrast between the learned and the ignorant is stark; physical appearance or social status cannot compensate for a lack of understanding. The work further asserts that true wealth lies in knowledge, and the plight of the learned, though challenging, is preferable to the foolishness of the wealthy. It concludes by reinforcing the idea that those who pursue knowledge elevate themselves above mere animals, establishing a clear hierarchy where the learned are significantly more esteemed than the uneducated. The overarching message advocates for the pursuit of education as a means to achieve respect, purpose, and a meaningful existence.
By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2000 · Genre: Philosophy, Didactic Literature, Poetry · 242 words
First lines
Ascending the rostrum without abundant knowledge is like the playing of dice without the chequered board.19
Behold the man without learning who desireth to be called eloquent: he is like unto a woman without busts who yearneth to be admired of men.
Even a fool shall be counted wise if he can hold his peace before the learned.
The opinion of an ignorant man will be rejected by the wise even though it may be perfectly sensible.
What this Textopian page supports
The Neglecting of Instruction 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, Didactic Literature, Poetry, Sociocultural Commentary, Self-Help
- Length: 242 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Neglecting of Instruction by Thiruvalluvar
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Listening To The Instruction Of The Wise by Thiruvalluvar
- Eloquence by Thiruvalluvar
- The Degraded Life by Thiruvalluvar
- Reading Of The Heart By Signs by Thiruvalluvar
- Realisation Of The Truth by Thiruvalluvar
- Non Injuring by Thiruvalluvar
Genres
- Philosophy — The text explores themes of knowledge, wisdom, and the value of education, characteristic of philosophical discourse.
- Didactic Literature — The work aims to instruct and impart moral lessons about the importance of learning and the consequences of ignorance.
- Poetry — The writing style employs metaphor and imagery, typical of poetic expression, to convey its messages.
- Sociocultural Commentary — The text comments on societal values regarding education and the status of individuals based on their knowledge.
Tags
Philosophy · Poetry · Tamil Literature · Ethics · Morality · Wisdom · Life Lessons · Spirituality · Self-Improvement · Personal Growth · Indian Classics · Ancient Wisdom