76.4 On Making Wealth

 76.4 On Making Wealth

Question:

Why should one accumulate wealth?

Answer:

One should accumulate wealth as there is no sharper

weapon than that to destroy the arrogance of the enemies.               (Couplet – 759)

செய்க பொருளைச் செறுநர் செருக்கறுக்கும்

எஃகதனிற் கூரிய தில்.                                                           (குறள் – 759)

Explanation:

Valluvar realizes the importance of wealth. In Couplet 247, he says, “There is no place in this world for people without wealth.”  In Couplet 759, he encourages the accumulation of wealth by saying that there is no sharper weapon than wealth to destroy the arrogance of the enemies. If a country is rich, it will have sophisticated and powerful weaponry that will discourage other countries from waging war against it. For example, the USA spends much more than any other country in the world on defense-related projects and has superior weapons. Therefore, other countries would not dare to engage in direct warfare with the USA. A business with a solid financial position can afford to hire and retain exceptionally talented people and compete effectively against the competition. In addition to outsmarting the competition, a financially strong business can even buy out its competition. Therefore, accumulating wealth is essential for a country as well as a business enterprise. In the case of individuals also, having wealth is an added strength to him.