# LXIV: The Councillor of State explained — The Kural > Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar. ## What happens This chapter outlines the essential qualities and duties of a capable councillor or minister of state, emphasizing wisdom, study, resolve, loyalty, and the ability to manage alliances and enmities for the welfare of the prince and the people. ## Themes in this chapter ### Statecraft and Governance The chapter focuses entirely on the qualifications and duties of a councillor, a key element of statecraft. ### Social Harmony and Ethics Emphasizes the councillor's duty to act justly and for the welfare of the people, maintaining social order. ## Character check-ins ### Thiruvalluvar Author of the Kural, presenting the ideal qualities of a state councillor. ### the Kural The text itself, from which the verses on statecraft are drawn. ### Kauṭilya Referenced implicitly as a parallel authority on statecraft and ministerial duties. ## Key lines > Behold the man who judgeth aright the ways and means of achieving great enterprises and the proper season to commence them: he is the proper man for the Council. A person who correctly assesses the methods and timing for major undertakings is fit to be a councillor. _Highlights the importance of strategic judgment and timing in governance._ > Study, resolution, manly exertion, and loving attention to the welfare of the people, these four make along with the last the five qualifications of the Councillor. Learning, determination, diligent effort, and care for the people's well-being are four of the five essential qualities of a minister. _Lists the core virtues required for effective state service._ > He is the able minister who possesseth the capacity to disunite allies, to cherish and keep up existing friendships, and to reunite those who have become enemies. A skilled minister can break alliances, maintain friendships, and reconcile former foes. _Describes the diplomatic and strategic skills needed in statecraft._ > Behold the man who knoweth the law and aboundeth in instruction, is deliberate in his speech and always understandeth what is fit for each occasion: he is the Councillor for thee. One who knows the law, is learned, speaks carefully, and knows what is appropriate for every situation is the ideal councillor. _Emphasizes legal knowledge, wisdom, and situational awareness._ > What is there that is too subtle for men who add knowledge of books unto natural intelligence? Nothing is too complex for those who combine book learning with innate intelligence. _Values both education and natural acumen._ > Even though thou art wise in thy knowledge of books, gather thou the wisdom of experience and act in accordance therewith. Even if you are learned from books, also seek practical experience and act on it. _Advises blending theoretical knowledge with practical wisdom._ > The prince may be a fool and may thwart him at every step: but the duty of the Councillor is always to point to him what is just and proper. Even if the king is foolish and obstructs him, the councillor must still advise what is right and just. _Stresses the councillor's unwavering commitment to righteousness regardless of the ruler's behavior._ > Behold the minister that sitteth in the Council and plotteth the ruin of his prince: he is more dangerous than seven hundred million enemies. A minister who conspires against his king is far more dangerous than countless external foes. _Warns against treachery from within the council._ > The irresolute may even plan perfectly: but they will waver in the course of the execution and will never accomplish their designs. Indecisive people may make perfect plans, but they falter during execution and fail to achieve their goals. _Highlights the necessity of resolve and follow-through._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxiv-the-councillor-of-state - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters