விலங்கை நோக்க மக்கள் எவ்வளவு வேறுபட்டவரோ, சிறந்த நூலைக் கற்றவரை நோக்கக் கல்லாதவர் அவ்வளவு வேறுபட்டவர்.

மனிதர்களுக்கும் விலங்குகளுக்குமிடையே என்ன வேற்றுமையோ, அதே அளவு வேற்றுமை அறிவு நூல்களைப் படித்தவர்களுக்கும், அந்த நூல்களைப் படிக்காதவர்களுக்கும் இடையே உண்டு

அறிவு விளங்குதற்குக் காரணமான நூல்களைக் கற்றவரோடுக் கல்லாதவர், மக்களோடு விலங்குகளுக்கு உள்ள அவ்வளவு வேற்றுமை உடையவர்.

As beasts by the side of men, so are other men by the side of those who are learned in celebrated works

This Kural verse emphasizes the importance of learning and knowledge. It draws a comparison stating that the difference between humans and animals is similar to the difference between those who have studied and understood profound works of knowledge and those who haven't. The term 'beasts' here is used to underline the lack of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that animals inherently possess. It implies that those who do not strive for knowledge are no different than animals, as they also live their lives based on instinct and immediate needs. On the other hand, those who are learned, those who have delved into the depths of profound knowledge, possess a richer understanding of life, the world, and beyond. They are able to make thoughtful decisions, contribute positively to society, and lead a more purposeful life. In essence, the verse extols the value of knowledge and learning and highlights the stark contrast in the quality of life between the learned and the unlearned, similar to the difference between humans and animals.