Truthfulness by Thiruvalluvar (2000)
The work emphasizes the paramount importance of truthfulness as a fundamental virtue. It defines truthfulness as the expression of thoughts and words devoid of any evil intent. The text asserts that even a falsehood can be considered truthful if it leads to genuine good outcomes. It warns against bearing false witness, highlighting the internal consequences of dishonesty on one's conscience. The narrative extols the virtues of individuals who embody truthfulness, suggesting that such individuals command respect and admiration from others. It posits that a person committed to truth is superior to those who engage in austere practices or charitable acts without sincerity. The text argues that true renown stems from a reputation for honesty, which brings blessings without the need for self-denial. The work further contrasts physical cleanliness with the purity of the heart, asserting that the latter is demonstrated through truthfulness. It suggests that while many forms of light exist, only the light of truth is deemed genuine illumination. Ultimately, the text concludes that truth stands as the highest virtue, surpassing all other observed phenomena in the world.
By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2000 · Genre: Philosophy, Ethics, Spirituality · 220 words
First lines
What is truthfulness? It is the speaking of that which is free from even the slightest taint of evil.
Even falsehood is of the nature of truth if it bringeth forth unmixed good.18
Bear not false witness against thy neighbour: for thy own conscience will burn thee when thou hast lied.
Behold the man whose heart is free from falsehood: he reigneth in the hearts of all.
What this Textopian page supports
Truthfulness 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, Ethics, Spirituality, Self-help, Literary
- Length: 220 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Truthfulness 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 Truthfulness?
- How does this essay by Thiruvalluvar fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- That We Must Not Believe Everyone And That We Are Prone To Fall In Our Words by Thomas A. Kempis
- Worth by Thiruvalluvar
- Judging Of Strength by Thiruvalluvar
- Purity Of Conduct by Thiruvalluvar
- Sophist by Plato
- The Over Soul by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Genres
- Philosophy — The text explores the nature of truth and its moral implications, making it a philosophical discourse.
- Ethics — The work discusses moral principles related to truthfulness and the consequences of falsehood.
- Spirituality — The emphasis on purity of heart and truth aligns with spiritual themes of integrity and virtue.
- Self-help — The teachings promote personal development through the practice of truthfulness.
Tags
Philosophy · Ethics · Morality · Truth · Honesty · Integrity · Wisdom · Knowledge · Reality · Perception · Illusion · Deception