Worth by Thiruvalluvar (2000)
The work explores the concept of worth, emphasizing the importance of character and moral integrity over superficial attributes. It begins by highlighting the significance of understanding one's duties and cultivating personal worth, asserting that true goodness is perceived as a duty. The text posits that the essence of a person's worth lies in their character rather than physical appearance. Key virtues are identified as foundational to noble character: love, sensitivity to shame, politeness, indulgence towards others' faults, and truthfulness. These qualities are presented as essential pillars supporting a virtuous life. The work further delineates the virtues of a saint, which include non-violence, and those of a worthy individual, which encompass refraining from gossip and harmful speech. Humility is portrayed as a source of strength, serving as both a protective armor and a measure of true worth. The text challenges the reader to recognize superiority in others, regardless of their social standing, and to extend kindness even to those who may cause harm. It asserts that poverty is not a mark of disgrace if one possesses the wealth of character. The narrative underscores the unwavering commitment of the truly worthy, who remain steadfast in their principles amidst chaos. Such individuals are depicted as the bedrock of society, essential for sustaining human life and moral order. The work ultimately conveys that the fall of the worthy would lead to a collapse of societal values, emphasizing the critical role of character in human existence.
By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2000 · Genre: Philosophical, Self-help, Spiritual · 257 words
First lines
Behold the men that know their duties and want to cultivate worth in themselves: everything that is good will be a duty in their eyes.
The comeliness of the worthy is the comeliness of their character: the comeliness of the body addeth nothing to their comeliness.
Love to all, sensibility to shame, complaisance, indulgence to the faults of others, and truthfulness, these five are the pillars that support the edifice of a noble character.
The virtue of the saint is non-killing: and the virtue of the worthy man is the abstaining from scandalous speech.
What this Textopian page supports
Worth 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, Self-help, Spiritual, Didactic, Literary
- Length: 257 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Worth 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 Worth?
- 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 Rule Of Life by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Husbandry by Thiruvalluvar
- Addressing Ones Own Heart by Thiruvalluvar
- Renunciation by Thiruvalluvar
- Forgiveness by Thiruvalluvar
- Uprightness Of Heart by Thiruvalluvar
Genres
- Philosophical — The text explores deep moral and ethical themes regarding worth, character, and virtue.
- Self-help — It provides guidance on cultivating personal worth and character development.
- Spiritual — The work reflects on virtues that align with spiritual growth and moral integrity.
- Didactic — The text aims to instruct readers on the principles of worth and ethical living.
Tags
Philosophy · Ethics · Morality · Spirituality · Self-Discovery · Personal Growth · Wisdom · Knowledge · Truth · Reality · Existence · Purpose