ஊக்க மிகுதியே ஒருவனுக்குத் திண்ணிய அறிவு. அவ்வூக்கம் இல்லாதவர் வடிவத்தால் மக்கள்; மனத்தாலோ வெறும் மரமே.

மனத்தில் உறுதியான ஊக்கமில்லாதவர்கள் உருவத்தில் மனிதர்களாகக் காணப்பட்டாலும் மரங்களுக்கும் அவர்களுக்கும் வேறுபாடு இல்லை

ஒருவனுக்கு வலிமையானது ஊக்க மிகுதியே, அவ்வூக்கம் இல்லாதவர் மரங்களே, (வடிவால்) மக்களைப் போல் இருத்தலே வேறுபாடு.

Energy is mental wealth; those men who are destitute of it are only trees in the form of men

This verse from the Thiru Kural emphasizes the importance of mental energy or motivation in a person's life. It suggests that the real strength or wealth of a person lies not in their physical abilities or material possessions, but in their mental vigor. The verse uses a powerful metaphor to illustrate this point. It compares people who lack mental energy to trees, suggesting that they are only human in form but not in essence. Just like a tree, they might be physically present, but without the capacity for action, thought, or emotion, they are not truly living their human lives. In a broader sense, this verse encourages us to nurture our mental energy, as it is the driving force behind our actions and achievements. It reminds us that being human means more than just existing - it involves thinking, feeling, and actively participating in life. The verse also subtly criticizes those who are passive or disinterested in their lives, likening them to inanimate objects. It calls for an active, energetic approach to life, emphasizing the value of inner strength and determination. In sum, this Kural verse illuminates the critical role of mental energy in leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. It underscores the idea that our inner strength, embodied in our willpower and motivation, is what truly defines us as human beings.