84.3 Foolishness

 84.3 Foolishness

Question:

            What are the characteristics of a fool?

Answers:

The characteristic of a fool is the lack of sense of shame,

curiosity, love, and regard for anything.                                (Couplet – 833)

When a fool acquires wealth, strangers thrive, but his

relatives starve.                                                                      (Couplet – 837)

A fool who becomes rich behaves like a madman

who is drunk.                                                                          (Couplet – 838)

 

நாணாமை நாடாமை நாரின்மை யாதொன்றும்

பேணாமை பேதை தொழில்                              (குறள் – 833)

ஏதிலார் ஆரத் தமர்பசிப்பர் பேதை

பெருஞ்செல்வம் உற்றக் கடை.                           (குறள் – 837)

மையல் ஒருவன் களித்தற்றால் பேதைதன்

கையொன்று உடைமை பெறின்.                         (குறள் – 838)

 

Explanation:

            According to Valluvar, a fool does not have a sense of shame, lacks curiosity, does not love anybody, and does not care for anything in particular. Since he lacks love and good judgment, if he gets wealth, he will squander it and will not help his own relatives. Since he is foolish and predictable, he will act like a drunken lunatic if he gets riches. Of course, these are all very general characteristics and may not apply to all fools.