முந்திய அறநூல்கள் கூறியவற்றுள் இன்றைக்குப் பொருந்தாதவற்றை விலக்கியும், கூறாதனவற்றுள் பொருந்துவனவற்றை ஏற்றும் வாழக் கல்லாதவர், பல்வேறு நூல்களைக் கற்றவரே என்றாலும் அறிவில்லாதவரே.

உயர்ந்தோர் ஏற்றுக் கொண்ட ஒழுக்கம் எனும் பண்போடு வாழக் கற்காதவர்கள் பல நூல்களைப் படித்திருந்தும்கூட அறிவில்லாதவர்களே ஆவார்கள்

உலகத்து உயர்ந்தவரோடு பொருந்த ஒழுகும் முறையைக் கற்காதவர், பல நூல்களைக் கற்றிருந்த போதிலும் அறிவில்லாதவரே ஆவர்.

Those who know not how to act agreeably to the world, though they have learnt many things, are still ignorant

Kural 140 emphasizes the importance of social harmony and the ability to navigate the world with grace and understanding. The verse suggests that true knowledge is not merely about academic learning or mastery over numerous subjects. Instead, it is about the wisdom and capability to live in harmony with the world, respecting societal norms and adapting to the world's ways. The verse points out that those who may have learned many things but have not learned how to live in accordance with the world are still ignorant. This is because they fail to understand the fundamental dynamics of coexistence and societal interaction, which are as essential as any academic knowledge. In other words, the verse advocates the importance of practical wisdom and social intelligence. It encourages individuals to learn the art of living harmoniously with others, which is as valuable as any formal education. It suggests that those who fail to acquire this basic skill of life remain ignorant, despite their academic accomplishments or extensive knowledge in various fields. It is a reminder that learning should not be confined to books and theories. Instead, it should extend to understanding the world, respecting diversity, and practicing empathy and tolerance, which are the cornerstones of a harmonious and enlightened life.