உழைக்கும் சக்தி அற்றவர்க்கு உதவுபவனே உயிரோடு வாழ்பவன். உதவாதவன் இருந்தாலும் இறந்தவனாகவே எண்ணப்படுவான்.

ஒப்புரவை அறிந்து பிறருக்கு உதவியாகத் தன் வாழ்வை அமைத்துக் கொள்பவனே உயிர்வாழ்பவன் எனக் கருதப்படுவான்; அதற்கு மாறானவன் இறந்தவனே ஆவான்

ஒப்புரவை அறிந்து போற்றிப் பிறர்க்கு உதவியாக வாழ்கின்றவன் உயிர்வாழ்கின்றவன் ஆவான், மற்றவன் செத்தவருள் சேர்த்துக் கருதப்படுவான்.

He truly lives who knows (and discharges) the proper duties (of benevolence) He who knows them not will be reckoned among the dead

This verse from Thiru Kural emphasizes the importance of benevolence, compassion, and the performance of one's duties towards others. It suggests that a person truly lives when he or she understands and executes the duties of benevolence, such as helping others and contributing positively to society. In doing so, they enrich their life and the lives of others, making their existence meaningful and worthwhile. On the contrary, those who are ignorant of such duties or choose not to perform them, despite being physically alive, are considered as good as dead. They are likened to the dead because they fail to fulfill the fundamental purpose of human life, which includes showing kindness, compassion, and aiding those in need. In essence, the verse is a stark reminder of the significance of benevolence in life. It encourages us to lead a life characterized by empathy and goodwill towards others, emphasizing that true living is not just about existing but about making a positive difference in the lives of others. The verse also implies a moral judgement, stating that those who do not help others are as good as dead, underscoring the moral obligation mankind has towards each other.