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Part I: On Virtue

Section I: Prologue

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Chapter 46: Avoidance of Base Company

Verse 454

TAKA Presents the Tirukural

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Weaver's Wisdom

Verse 451

Men of greatness dread base company,
while the low-minded consider them kinsmen.

Verse 452

As water changes according to the soil through which it flows,
so a man assimilates the character of his associates.

Verse 453

By knowing his thoughts, a man's mind is discovered.
By knowing his associates, his character is revealed.

Verse 454

Wisdom, appearing to originate in a man's mind,
has its source in his companions.

Verse 455

Purity of mind and purity of conduct--these two
depend upon the purity of a man's companions.

Verse 456

Praiseworthy progeny come to pure-minded men
whose pure companions keep impure deeds away.

Verse 457

Wealth will be bestowed on good-minded men,
and all renown will be granted by good company.

Verse 458

Even perfect men, possessing the mind's full goodness,
are fortified by pious fellowship.

Verse 459

Goodness of mind leads to bliss in the next world,
and even that is secured by the company of good men.

Verse 460

There exists no greater aid than virtuous fellowship,
and no greater affliction than evil fraternity.