# XCVII: Honour explained — The Kural

> Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar.

## What happens

This chapter emphasizes the supreme importance of preserving one's honour above all else, including life itself. It warns against ignoble actions even for survival, praises those who maintain dignity in adversity, and declares that the world venerates those who die rather than lose their good name.

## Themes in this chapter

### Virtue and Righteousness

The chapter extols honour as an essential component of righteous living, urging one to avoid shameful acts even at the cost of life.

### The Vanity of Worldly Life

It contrasts fleeting worldly preservation with the enduring value of a good name, suggesting that life without honour is worthless.

## Character check-ins

### Thiruvalluvar

Author of the Kural, presenting teachings on honour and dignity.

### the Kural

The text itself, containing the verses on honour.

## Key lines

> Forbear from those things that would lower thee, even though they should be indispensable for the very preservation of thy life.

Avoid actions that degrade you, even if they seem necessary to save your life.

_The verse establishes honour as a non-negotiable principle._

> Behold the men of honour who refuse to outlive their good name: the world will join its hands and worship at the altar of their glory.

Those who choose death over dishonour are revered by all.

_Concluding verse glorifying sacrificial honour._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/xcvii-honour
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters