The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 108
CHAPTER 108
THE DEGRADED LIFE
1071. How they take after men, these degraded ones! We have never seen like-ness so exact!
1072. Happier than men of conscience are these despicable ones! For they never have any pangs of the mind to feel.
1073. Like unto very Gods are the base ones on earth! For they too are a law unto themselves.
1074. When the degenerate meeteth a reprobate, he would outbeat him in his vices and pride himself on the achievement.
1075. Fear is the only motive force of degenerates : if there is any other at all, it is appetite, and it availeth just a little.
1076. Like unto a tomtom are the base ones : for they cannot rest without giving out to others the secrets that are entrusted to them.
1077. The degenerate would grudge even to jerk his hands moistened with food, save to those that can break his jaw with clenched fists.
1078. The worthy can be commanded by a simple word: but, like the sugar-cane, the low can be made to give only by a sound thrashing.
1079. It is enough if he seeth a neighbour clothed and fed : the vile man can always discover vices in his character.
1080. What is the resource of the degenerate when misfortune befalleth him ? He hath but one, and that is to sell himself as quickly as possible.
HERE ENDETH SECTION iii OF PART II
ENTITLED MISCELLANEOUS
HERE ALSO ENDETH PART II
ENTITLED WEALTH