வாழும் நல்லவர்க்கு அறிவியலும் கலைஇயலும் சிறந்த கண் என்று அறிந்தவர் கூறுவர்.

எண்ணும் எழுத்தும் எனப்படும் அறிவுக் கண்களைப் பெற்றவர்களே, உயிர் வாழ்வோர் எனக் கருதப்படுவார்கள்

எண் என்று சொல்லப்படுவன எழுத்து என்று சொல்லப்படுவன ஆகிய இரு வகைக் கலைகளையும் வாழும் மக்களுக்குக் கண்கள் என்று கூறுவர்.

Letters and numbers are the two eyes of man

Kural 392 states "Letters and numbers are the two eyes of man." This verse is a metaphorical affirmation of the importance of knowledge and education in human life. It compares the acquisition of knowledge, specifically in the form of literacy and numeracy, to the vital sense of sight. In this context, letters and numbers represent all forms of knowledge. Letters stand for language, literature, and all forms of written knowledge, while numbers represent mathematical and logical understanding. Together, they encompass a wide spectrum of human knowledge. Just as our eyes allow us to perceive the world, understand our environment, and navigate through life, knowledge gives us the ability to comprehend the world around us, make sense of complex situations, and make informed decisions. Without this 'sight' or knowledge, one would be metaphorically blind in the world, unable to fully understand or engage with it. The verse emphasizes that those who are equipped with this knowledge, who have these 'two eyes', are the ones truly living. This is because they can fully appreciate, contribute to, and navigate the world with understanding and wisdom. This verse, thus, underscores the significance of education and the pursuit of knowledge as a means to a fulfilling and enlightened life.