ஊக்கம் உடையவரே எல்லாவற்றையும் உடையவர்; ஊக்கம் இல்லாதவர் வேறு எதை உடையவர் என்றாலும் உடையவர் ஆவாரே?

ஊக்கம் உடையவரே உடையவர் எனப்படுவர் ஊமில்லாதவர் வேறு எதை உடையவராக இருந்தாலும் அவர் உடையவர் ஆக மாட்டார்

ஒருவர் பெற்றிருக்கின்றார் என்று சொல்லத்தக்க சிறப்புடையது ஊக்கமாகும், ஊக்கம் இல்லாதவர் வேறு எதைப் பெற்றிருந்தாலும் அதை உடையவர் ஆவரோ.

Energy makes out the man of property; as for those who are destitute of it, do they (really) possess what they possess ?

This Kural suggests that energy or willpower is the true wealth of a person. It asserts that only those possessing energy or determination are considered truly wealthy, regardless of their material possessions. Those who lack such energy, no matter what they physically own, cannot be deemed as truly wealthy. The essence of this Kural lies in the idea that ownership is not just about physical possession but also about the ability to utilize and manage what one owns. This can be achieved only through willpower and energy. If one lacks the drive and determination, they cannot truly 'own' or make the most of their possessions, as they won't be able to use them effectively. Hence, true possession is not just about material wealth, but also about the inner strength and energy to make the best use of it. In a broader perspective, this verse encourages the cultivation of inner strength and determination, emphasizing that they are more important than material wealth. This has relevance in today's world too, where success is not just defined by what one owns, but by the determination and willpower behind achieving it.