தீய குணத்தாரோடு சேரப் பெரியோர் அஞ்சுவர்; சிறியாரோ அவர்களைத் தம் உறவாகவே கருதி விடுவர்.

பெரியோர், கீழ்மக்களின் கூட்டத்தோடு சேர மாட்டார்கள் ஆனால் சிறியோர்களோ இனம் இனத்தோடு சேருமென்பதுபோல் அந்தக் கீழ் மக்கள் கூட்டத்துடன் சேர்ந்து கொள்வார்கள்

பெரியோரின் இயல்பு சிற்றினத்தை அஞ்சி ஒதுக்கும், சிறியோரின் இயல்பு அதையே சுற்றமாக எண்ணித் தழுவிக் கொள்ளும்.

(True) greatness fears the society of the base; it is only the low - minded who will regard them as friends

The Kural 451 emphasizes the difference in the nature of noble and low-minded individuals in terms of their association. It states that truly great people, who possess virtues and high principles, are wary of associating with those who are base or lowly. This is because they understand the potential negative influence and degradation that such association could bring to their own character and reputation. On the contrary, the kural observes that those who are low-minded or lack high moral standards do not shy away from mingling with their own kind. They regard such association as normal, and even desirable, often being unable to discern the detrimental effects it could have on their moral and social standing. In a broader sense, this kural advises individuals to be mindful of their associations, as it significantly impacts their character and the way they are perceived in society. Those who aspire to be great should surround themselves with individuals who share the same moral values and principles. Conversely, low-minded individuals who do not care about such things will continue to associate with the base, further deepening their own fallacies. In summary, Kural 451 is a moral lesson on the importance of good association and the hazards of ill company. The company we keep not only reflects our character but also shapes it. So, it is important to choose it wisely.