The Kural · Chapter
LXII: Manly Exertion explained
This chapter extols the virtue of relentless effort and industry, arguing that labor overcomes all obstacles and that indolence leads only to misery.
What happens
This chapter extols the virtue of relentless effort and industry, arguing that labor overcomes all obstacles and that indolence leads only to misery. It emphasizes that true greatness lies in serving others through exertion, and that hard work can triumph even over destiny.
Themes in this chapter
Karma and Destiny
The chapter argues that unremitting labor can overcome even adverse destiny, emphasizing human agency over fate.
The Vanity of Worldly Life
Indolence is condemned as the root of misery, while industry is praised as the path to prosperity and meaningful action.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Shrink not from any work saying, It is impossible: for labour will give thee the strength to achieve everything.”
Do not avoid any task by claiming it is impossible; effort itself will empower you to accomplish all things.
This opening couplet sets the theme that exertion builds capability.
“Industry is the mother of Prosperity: but Indolence only bringeth forth Misery.”
Hard work gives birth to success, while laziness produces only suffering.
A direct contrast between the outcomes of diligence and sloth.
“They will snap their fingers even at Destiny who succumb not to it but labour unremittingly in despite of it.”
Those who refuse to yield to fate and work tirelessly will defy destiny itself.
The chapter concludes with a powerful assertion of human will over fate.