The Kural · Chapter
LXXVI: The Acquisition of Wealth explained
This chapter extols the virtues of wealth, emphasizing its power to elevate even the insignificant, while cautioning against acquiring it through evil means.
What happens
This chapter extols the virtues of wealth, emphasizing its power to elevate even the insignificant, while cautioning against acquiring it through evil means. It links wealth to righteousness, happiness, and compassion, and advises the prince on various sources of revenue. The chapter concludes by asserting that wealth enables the attainment of life's other goals.
Themes in this chapter
Statecraft and Governance
The chapter advises the prince on legitimate sources of wealth, including customs duties and war prizes, linking wealth accumulation to righteous governance.
Virtue and Righteousness
Emphasizes that wealth must be acquired through means that are not evil, and that it should be coupled with mercy and kindliness to yield righteousness.
The Vanity of Worldly Life
While extolling wealth, the chapter implicitly contrasts the transient nature of material riches with the enduring value of righteous living.
Characters to notice
- the Kural
The chapter is a direct excerpt from the Kural, presenting its teachings on wealth.
- Parimêlajahar
As the commentator, Parimêlajahar's interpretations underpin the chapter's exposition.
- Dr. Pope
Dr. Pope's translation is the source of the chapter's English text.
Key passages
“There is nothing like wealth to lend so much consequence to men of no consequence.”
Wealth alone can grant importance to otherwise unimportant people.
Opening couplet highlighting the transformative power of wealth.
“Behold the substance that is acquired by means that are not evil: righteousness floweth therefrom and happiness also.”
Wealth gained through honest means brings both virtue and joy.
Couplet linking ethical acquisition to positive outcomes.
“Compassion which is the child of Love requireth for tending it the kindly nurse called Wealth.”
Compassion, born of love, needs wealth as a nurturing caretaker.
Metaphor illustrating wealth's role in sustaining compassion.
“Amass wealth: for there is no sharper steel to cleave thy foeman’s pride.”
Accumulate wealth, as it is the most effective weapon against an enemy's arrogance.
Couplet emphasizing wealth's strategic value in conflict.