அடுத்த உயிர்க்கு வரும் துன்பத்தைத் தமக்கு வந்ததாக எண்ணாவிட்டால், அறிவைப் பெற்றதால் ஆகும் பயன்தான் என்ன?

பிற உயிர்களுக்கு வரும் துன்பத்தைத் தம் துன்பம் போலக் கருதிக் காப்பாற்ற முனையாதவர்களுக்கு அறிவு இருந்தும் அதனால் எந்தப் பயனுமில்லை

மற்ற உயிரின் துன்பத்தை தன் துன்பம் போல் கருதிக் காப்பாற்றா விட்டால் பெற்றுள்ள அறிவினால் ஆகும் பயன் உண்டோ.

What benefit has he derived from his knowledge, who does not endeavour to keep off pain from another as much as from himself ?

Kural 315 explores the theme of empathy and compassion, essential elements of righteous living. In this verse, Thiruvalluvar questions the worth of knowledge if it does not lead to empathy towards others' sufferings. The verse can be understood as follows, "What is the use of one's knowledge if one does not strive to alleviate the suffering of others as much as they do for themselves?" It highlights the moral obligation of those with knowledge to use it for the welfare of others. The verse implies that the true measure of knowledge is not just intellectual understanding or mastery of a subject, but the ability to empathize with and alleviate the suffering of others. It criticizes those who hoard knowledge for personal gain while ignoring the pain and suffering of others. In other words, Thiruvalluvar emphasizes the responsibility of the learned to employ their knowledge for the betterment of society. If knowledge does not lead to compassion and empathy, it is considered futile. Therefore, the essence of this Kural is that true knowledge should instill a sense of empathy and drive to lessen others' pain, just as one would do for their own. This is the real benefit and purpose of acquiring knowledge.