இல்லாமை பலவற்றுள்ளும் இல்லாமை, அறிவு இல்லாமல் இருத்தலே, பிற இல்லாமையைப் பெரியோர் இல்லாமையாகக் கருதமாட்டார்.

அறிவுப் பஞ்சம்தான் மிகக் கொடுமையான பஞ்சமாகும் மற்ற பஞ்சங்களைக்கூட உலகம் அவ்வளவாகப் பொருட்படுத்தாது

அறியாமையே இல்லாமைப் பலவற்றுளளும் கொடிய இல்லாமையாகும், மற்ற இல்லாமைகளை உலகம் அத்தகைய இல்லாமையாகக் கருதாது.

The want of wisdom is the greatest of all wants; but that of wealth the world will not regard as such

Kural 841 emphasizes the supremacy of wisdom over all forms of wealth. It suggests that the lack of wisdom or knowledge is the most significant deficiency one can suffer from. The verse asserts that the world, or society at large, may not perceive the lack of material wealth as a significant deficiency, but the lack of wisdom is indeed the most significant. In the broader context, this verse touches on the ancient and universal wisdom that knowledge is the most valuable asset one can possess. Material wealth may come and go, but wisdom, once acquired, is a lifelong asset that continually adds value to one's life and to the lives of others. In this regard, the verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of education, learning, and the pursuit of knowledge over mere material gain. Furthermore, the verse also suggests a critique of societal values, indicating that the world may not fully recognize or appreciate the value of wisdom compared to material wealth. This reflects on the human tendency to prioritize immediate, tangible gains over long-term, intangible assets such as knowledge and wisdom. In summary, Kural 841 underscores the importance of wisdom and knowledge and critiques society's undue emphasis on material wealth. It promotes the pursuit of knowledge as the ultimate goal and the most valuable asset in life.