76.2 On Making Wealth

 76.2 On Making Wealth

 

Question:

              What kind of wealth yields righteousness and happiness?

Answer:

The wealth acquired with a  knowledge of the proper means  and

 without a taint of evil will yield righteousness and happiness.               (Couplet – 754)

அறன்ஈனும் இன்பமும் ஈனும் திறனறிந்து

தீதின்றி வந்த பொருள்.                                                         (குறள் – 754)

Explanation: According to Couplet 754, one should be knowledgeable enough to distinguish between the right way and the wrong to acquire wealth, and the wealth acquired in the right way will lead to virtue and happiness. Valluvar is particular that means should justify the end and not the other way. It should be noted that in Couplet 656, he emphasizes purity in action by saying, “One should not do anything that will be condemned by the great men, even to feed one’s starving mother.” Also, in Couplet 113, he says, “However useful, ill-gotten wealth should be discarded at once.”

These days corruption is rampant in many countries. Elected officials accumulate wealth in a short time disproportionate to their income. Although they are temporarily happy about their ill-gotten wealth, when their party is not in power, the new ruling party exposes their crime and takes legal action. Even if no legal is taken against them, people who make their wealth through evil means will always be fearful, unhappy, and restless that someday they might end up in trouble.