அடல்தகையும் ஆற்றலும் இல்லெனினும் தானை
படைத்தகையால் பாடு பெறும். 768
Army gains force by grand array Lacking in stay or dash in fray
பகைவர் மேல் சென்று வெல்லும் வீரமும், பகைவர் வந்தால் தடுக்கும் பயிற்சியும் ஆற்றலும் படைக்கு இல்லை என்றாலும், அது தன் கட்டுப்பாடான அணிவகுப்பின் காட்சி அழகால் பெருமை பெறும்.
- சாலமன் பாப்பையா
போர் புரியும் வீரம், எதிர்த்து நிற்கும் வல்லமை ஆகிய இரண்டையும் விட ஒரு படையின் அணிவகுப்புத் தோற்றம் சிறப்புடையதாக அமைய வேண்டும்
- மு.கருணாநிதி
போர் செய்யும் வீரமும்( எதிர்ப்பைத் தாங்கும்) ஆற்றலுமும் இல்லையானால் படைத்தன்னுடைய அணிவகுப்பால் பெருமை பெறும்.
- மு.வரதராசனார்
Though destitute of courage to fight and strength (to endure), an army may yet gain renown by the splendour of its appearance
- Unknown
This verse from Thiru Kural suggests that even if an army lacks the courage to fight or the strength to endure, it can still gain recognition and respect through the grandeur of its appearance. It emphasizes the importance of presentation and outward appearance in the perception of power and strength.
The verse suggests that the splendor of an army's formation or its impressive appearance can provide a sense of grandeur and power, even if it lacks actual fighting prowess or resilience. This is akin to saying that well-organized and disciplined presentation can enhance the perceived strength or effectiveness of any group or organization, thereby influencing the way others perceive and react to it.
In a deeper sense, this verse can also be interpreted as a commentary on society's tendency to value appearances and external show of strength over actual capability and resilience. It points out that sometimes, the façade of strength can give an impression of power, even in the absence of real strength or courage.
However, this should not be mistaken as an endorsement of showiness over substance. It is more of an observation of human nature and societal tendencies. The true strength of an army, or any organization for that matter, lies in its courage, resilience and the ability to perform under pressure.
In a broader context, this verse can also be applied to individuals, suggesting that one's outward appearance and demeanor can influence how others perceive their strength and capabilities. It serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and one should not solely rely on outward appearances to judge the strength or capability of others.
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