சான்றாண்மையை உரைத்துப் பார்த்துக் கண்டு அறியப்படும் உரைகல் எதுவென்றால், சிறியவர்களிடம் கூடத் தன் தோல்வியை ஒத்துக் கொள்வதே ஆகும்.

சமநிலையில் இல்லாதவர்களால் தனக்கு ஏற்படும் தோல்வியைக்கூட ஒப்புக் கொள்ளும் மனப்பக்குவம்தான் ஒருவரின் மேன்மைக்கு உரைகல்லாகும்

சால்புக்கு உரைகல் போல் மதிப்பிடும் கருவி எது என்றால் தமக்கு ஒப்பில்லாத தாழ்ந்தோரிடத்திலும்தோல்வியை ஏற்றுக் கொள்ளும் பண்பாகும்.

The touch-stone of perfection is to receive a defeat even at the hands of one's inferiors

Kural 986 speaks about the virtue of humility and acceptance. It says that the true measure of a person's greatness is their ability to accept defeat, even if it comes from those they consider as inferiors. The verse uses the metaphor of a touch-stone, which is used to test the purity of gold. Similarly, a person's character and strength are tested when they face defeat or adversity. This verse emphasizes that true greatness lies not in never falling, but in accepting the fall graciously and learning from it. It encourages us to be humble, as humility is a sign of wisdom and maturity. It teaches us to accept our mistakes and failures, as they are stepping stones to success. The Kural also encourages us to respect everyone, irrespective of their social status, as everyone can teach us something valuable. It discourages arrogance and promotes understanding, acceptance, and respect for others. In essence, the Kural tells us that accepting defeat with grace, learning from it and respecting everyone, even those we perceive as lesser than us, is the true hallmark of a great person.