மனிதப்பண்பு இல்லாதவர்கள் அரம் போல அறிவுக்கூர்மை படைத்தவர் என்றாலும் ஓர் அறிவு படைத்த மரத்தைப் போன்றோரே.

அரம் போன்ற கூர்மையான அறிவுடைய மேதையாக இருந்தாலும், மக்களுக்குரிய பண்பு இல்லாதவர் மரத்துக்கு ஒப்பானவரேயாவார்

மக்களுக்கு உரிய பண்பு இல்லாதவர் அரம் போல் கூர்மையான அறிவுடையவரானாலும், ஓரறிவுயிராகிய மரத்தைப் போன்றவரே ஆவர்.

He who is destitute of (true) human qualities (only) resembles a tree, though he may possess the sharpness of a file

This Thiru Kural verse, Kural 997, emphasizes the importance of having true human qualities, beyond just intelligence or wisdom. It suggests that a person can have the sharpness of a file, indicating a high level of intellect or cunning, but if he lacks the essential human qualities, he is no better than a tree. The human qualities referred to here could include empathy, kindness, compassion, fairness, and the ability to relate to other people's feelings and experiences. These are qualities that make us truly human, distinguish us from other beings, and enable us to live in society. The comparison to a tree suggests that without these human traits, a person may be alive and present, but not truly participating or contributing to the world around him in a meaningful way. Just like a tree, he may exist, but without the ability to interact or connect with others on a deeper level. In essence, this verse highlights the idea that intelligence or sharpness alone is not sufficient in life. To be truly human and to lead a fulfilling life, one must also possess and display the fundamental human qualities that enable us to connect with others and contribute to society.