அரிய நூல்களை எல்லாம் கற்று குற்றம் ஏதும் இல்லாதவரே எனினும் கூர்ந்து பார்த்தால் அவரிடமும் அறியாமை இல்லாமல் இராது.

அரிய நூல்கள் பல கற்றவர் என்றும், எக்குறையும் அற்றவர் என்றும் புகழப்படுவோரைக்கூட அழமாக ஆராய்ந்து பார்க்கும்போது அவரிடம் அறியாமை என்பது அறவே இல்லை எனக் கணித்துவிட இயலாது

அரிய நூல்களைத் கற்றுத் தேர்ந்து குற்றம் அற்றவரிடத்திலும் ஆராய்ந்துப் பார்க்குமிடத்தில் அறியாமை இல்லாதிருப்பது அருமையாகும்.

When even men, who have studied the most difficult works, and who are free from faults, are (carefully) examined, it is a rare thing to find them without ignorance

This Kural, number 503, explores the idea of human fallibility, and the persistence of ignorance despite extensive learning and moral rectitude. The verse suggests that even those who have delved into the most complex works of knowledge, and who appear to be free from any faults, are not completely devoid of ignorance when closely examined. The message here is twofold. Firstly, it emphasizes the vastness of knowledge and the limitation of human capacity to comprehend it entirely. No matter how much one learns, there always remains something unknown. This is a humbling reminder of our limitations, and an encouragement to remain open-minded and continue our pursuit of knowledge. Secondly, the verse highlights the importance of introspection and self-awareness. Even those who are celebrated for their knowledge and virtue may have areas of ignorance. Therefore, one should continually strive for self-improvement and never assume to know everything. In essence, Thiruvalluvar suggests that ignorance is an inherent part of the human condition, regardless of one's level of learning or moral character. This is not a critique, but rather an encouragement to embrace the journey of learning with humility and perseverance.