poet whose contribution to Tamil literature
is the Thirukkural, a work on ethics. Thiruvalluvar is thought to have lived sometime between the 2nd century BC and the 8th century AD. This estimate is based on linguistic analysis of his writings, as there is no archeological evidence for when he lived. He is sometimes also called Theiva Pulavar
("Divine Poet"), Valluvar, Poyyamozhi Pulavar, Senna Pothar, or Gnana Vettiyan.
Tirukkuṛal itself does not name its author or authors.
The worth of a wife is a man’s good fortune;His jewels are his good children.
The gruel that children’s little hands have stirredIs sweeter than nectar.
To use bitter words, when kind words are at hand,Is like picking unripe fruit when the ripe fruit is there.
The wound that’s made by fire will heal,But the wound that’s made by tongue will never heal.
To turn away a guest is poorest poverty;To bear with fools is mightiest might.
Real kindness seeks no return;What return can the world make to rain clouds?
When you are about to badger the weak,Then imagine yourself before a more powerful man.
How can kindliness rule that manWho eateth other flesh to increase his own?
Not every light is a true light;To the wise the light of truth is light itself.
Anger kills both laughter and joy;What greater foe is there than anger?