Kural - The Great Book Of Tiru-Valluvar
Major Sections
Books By Rajaji

ON FRIENDSHIP

Do not take trouble to keep up the friendship of worthless men. It is well to allow it to die out, be they ever so honey-like

What matters it whether we gain or lose the friendship of selfish men who when it is profitable to them be friend us and leave us when it is not?

Oppilaar means men whose conduct is not shaped to further the life of the community, i.e., selfish, the reverse of oppuravu.

The friendship that weighs advantages is of the same class with the affection of courtesans and partnership among thieves.

It is better to be unfriended than to depend on friends who when you face trouble desert you, as it is better to go on foot than ride to battle on an unbroken horse.

The opposition of wise and good men does infinitely greater good than the closest friendship of a foot.

One gets a million times more benefit from enemies than from the friendship of mere jolly good fellows and jesters and the like.

Allow your friendship silently to die, out with men who fail to help where they could.

It is bad even in dream to associate with those whose words and deeds differ.

There are some that seek to befriend you at home and in private, but attack your fair name on public occasions. Avoid all advances on the part of such people.

Back ] Up ] Next ]

About On Friendship
Page1
Page2
Page3
You are Here! Page4
Page5