June 2, 2026
In today’s world, success is often measured by wealth, power, followers, and influence. Yet one question remains timeless: What will people remember about us after we are gone?
More than two thousand years ago, Thiruvalluvar answered this question in a remarkable chapter of the Thirukkural dedicated to “Pugazh” (Fame or Reputation). His message is simple yet profound: wealth may disappear, beauty may fade, and life itself may end, but a good name earned through generosity and noble actions can live forever.
Giving Creates Lasting Fame
The chapter begins by declaring that the highest purpose of life is not merely to exist but to live in a way that benefits others. According to Thiruvalluvar, there is no greater achievement than giving to those in need and earning a reputation for kindness.
This idea echoes a famous English saying: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” A person may accumulate riches, but it is generosity that wins hearts and creates a lasting legacy.
History remembers individuals not because of what they possessed, but because of what they contributed to society. The names of great philanthropists, reformers, teachers, and leaders continue to inspire long after their lifetimes.
A Good Name Is Better Than Wealth
Thiruvalluvar teaches that among all the things people can acquire, a good reputation is the most valuable. Material possessions are temporary, but honor and respect can survive generations.
Many cultures express the same wisdom. The proverb “A good name is better than riches” reminds us that trust and character are worth more than money. Wealth can be gained and lost repeatedly, but once a person’s reputation is damaged, rebuilding it can take years.
This is why people often remember the integrity of a person long after they have forgotten the size of that person’s bank account.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Another important lesson from these verses is that true fame is earned through actions rather than speeches.
People may talk about their achievements, but genuine respect comes from what they do. Communities celebrate individuals who serve others, stand for justice, and act with courage during difficult times.
This principle is reflected in the popular saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” A person’s character becomes visible through everyday decisions, not through self-promotion.
The Courage to Live Honorably
Thiruvalluvar goes even further by suggesting that if one cannot live with honor, it is better not to seek recognition at all. This is not a call to despair but a challenge to pursue a life worthy of respect.
Many cultures share this belief. The ancient idea that “It is better to die with honor than to live in shame” highlights the value placed on integrity. Honor is not something that can be bought; it must be earned through consistent moral conduct.
A person’s reputation is built slowly through countless choices and can be destroyed by a single act of dishonesty.
Fame Brings Both Praise and Criticism
An interesting aspect of fame is that it often attracts enemies. As people become successful or respected, criticism frequently follows.
Victor Hugo once observed, “Fame must have enemies, as light must have gnats.” The brighter a person’s achievements shine, the more likely they are to attract jealousy or opposition.
An African proverb offers a similar warning: “The higher the monkey climbs, the more he shows his backside.” Greater visibility brings greater scrutiny. Those who seek recognition must be prepared for both admiration and criticism.
Thiruvalluvar reminds us that people should not complain about criticism if they have done little to earn respect. The best answer to detractors is a life of genuine achievement and virtue.
Character Is Tested by Recognition
Many people handle hardship well, but fame presents a different challenge. Recognition can reveal a person’s true nature.
A wise saying notes that fire tests gold and silver, while fame tests human character. Some individuals become humble and grateful when praised, while others become arrogant and self-centered.
The pursuit of fame for its own sake can become dangerous. The Book of Proverbs warns, “It is not glorious to seek one’s own glory.” Real honor comes naturally as a result of meaningful actions rather than deliberate self-promotion.
The Legacy We Leave Behind
One of the most powerful themes in this chapter is the idea of legacy. Thiruvalluvar argues that people who live without earning respect leave little behind when they are gone.
The Fame Worth Pursuing
Thiruvalluvar’s vision of fame is very different from modern celebrity culture. He is not speaking about popularity, publicity, or social media attention. Instead, he speaks of a reputation built on generosity, integrity, and service to others.
Such fame cannot be manufactured. It grows naturally from a life lived with purpose and compassion.
In the end, Thirukkural teaches that the greatest legacy is not how much we owned, but how much good we did. Wealth may vanish, power may fade, and worldly success may be forgotten. Yet a good name, earned through kindness and noble conduct, can continue to inspire long after a person’s life has ended.
That is the fame that truly lasts.
Ultimately, the chapter on fame is not a guide to becoming famous. It is a guide to becoming worthy of remembrance.
| குறள் | பொருள் | பொருத்தமான ஆங்கில Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 231 ஈதல் இசைபட வாழ்தல்… | பிறருக்கு கொடுத்து புகழுடன் வாழ்வதே வாழ்க்கையின் பயன் | “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” |
| 232 உரைப்பார் உரைப்பவை… | உலகம் புகழ்வது உதவி செய்பவர்களையே | “A good name is better than riches.” |
| 233 ஒன்றா உலகத்து உயர்ந்த புகழல்லால்… | நிலைத்திருப்பது புகழ் மட்டுமே | “Fame is the perfume of heroic deeds.” |
| 234 நிலவரை நீள்புகழ் ஆற்றின்… | உயர்ந்த செயலால் கிடைக்கும் புகழ் தேவர்களாலும் போற்றப்படும் | “Actions speak louder than words.” |
| 235 நத்தம்போற் கேடும்… | துன்பத்திலும் புகழ் பெறுவது அறிவாளிகளுக்கே சாத்தியம் | “Fire is the way to test the purity of silver and gold, but the character of a man is tested by giving him a measure of fame.” |
| 236 தோன்றிற் புகழொடு தோன்றுக… | புகழுடன் வாழ முடியாவிட்டால் வாழாமையே மேல் | “Better to die with honor than to live in shame.” |
| 237 புகழ்பட வாழாதார்… | தம்முடைய குறையை உணராமல் பிறரை குறை கூறுவது தவறு | “The higher the monkey climbs, the more he shows his backside.” — African Proverb |
| 238 வசையென்ப வையத்தார்க்கெல்லாம்… | புகழ் இல்லையெனில் பழியே மிஞ்சும் | “He that has an ill name is half hanged.” |
| 239 வசையிலா வண்பயன் குன்றும்… | புகழற்ற மனிதன் நிலத்திற்கே பாரம் | “The palace leads to fame, the market to fortune, and loneliness to wisdom.” — Chinese Proverb |
| 240 வசையொழிய வாழ்வாரே வாழ்வார்… | பழியின்றி வாழ்பவரே உண்மையில் வாழ்பவர் | “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls.” |
