செவியால் நுகரப்படும் சுவைகளை உணராமல், வாயால் அறியப்படும் சுவைகளை மட்டுமே அறியும் மனிதர் இருந்தால் என்ன? இறந்தால்தான் என்ன?

செவிச்சுவை உணராமல் வாயின் சுவைக்காக மட்டுமே வாழும் மக்கள் உயிரோடு இருப்பதும் ஒன்றுதான் இல்லாமற் போவதும் ஒன்றுதான்

செவியால் கேள்விச் சுவை உணராமல் வாயின் சுவையுணர்வு மட்டும் உடைய மக்கள், இறந்தாலும் என்ன, உயிரோடு வாழ்ந்தாலும் என்ன.

What does it matter whether those men live or die, who can judge of tastes by the mouth, and not by the ear ?

The Kural 420 questions the purpose of existence for those who solely seek physical gratification and neglect intellectual or spiritual engagement. The taste "judged by the mouth" here symbolizes the physical indulgences such as food and sensual pleasures. The taste "judged by the ear," on the other hand, signifies the intellectual or spiritual experiences, such as learning, wisdom, and moral understanding, which are often received and processed through listening. The verse is a critique of those who live just for sensual gratification, ignoring the intellectual and spiritual aspects of life. They are so engrossed in their physical senses that they fail to appreciate the richness of knowledge and wisdom, which often comes from listening and understanding. The rhetorical question, "What does it matter whether those men live or die," signifies that such a life, devoid of intellectual and moral pursuit, is as good as death. This verse, therefore, emphasizes the importance of balance in life and encourages individuals to value moral and intellectual development alongside physical well-being.