The Kural · Chapter
XLV: Courting the Friendship of the Worthy explained
This chapter emphasizes the immense value of seeking and cultivating the friendship of righteous and wise individuals.
What happens
This chapter emphasizes the immense value of seeking and cultivating the friendship of righteous and wise individuals. It argues that such friendships provide protection against future evils, strengthen one's position, and are a rare fortune. The text warns against losing the intimacy of the good and highlights the peril of relying on those who cannot offer reproof.
Themes in this chapter
Social Harmony and Ethics
Advocates for cultivating friendships with the righteous as a means to maintain social order and personal integrity.
Statecraft and Governance
Advises the prince to choose ministers wisely, comparing them to the eyes of the ruler, and warns against lacking the support of reproving friends.
Characters to notice
- Thiruvalluvar
Author of the Kural verses on the importance of befriending the worthy.
- the Kural
The text itself, providing the teachings on friendship.
Key passages
“Esteem thou the men that have grown old in righteousness, and acquire their friendship.”
Value and seek the friendship of those who have lived a life of virtue.
Opening couplet emphasizing the importance of befriending the righteous.
“It is the rarest of rare good fortunes if a man can secure to himself the devotion of men of worth.”
It is an extremely rare blessing to gain the loyalty of virtuous people.
Highlights the rarity and value of worthy friendships.
“As the eyes of the prince are his own ministers, let him use his discretion and choose them wisely.”
A prince should choose his ministers as carefully as he would his own eyes.
Metaphor for the critical importance of wise counsel in governance.