The Way of Acquiring Wealth
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poruḷal lavaraip poruḷākac ceyyum / poruḷalla tillai poruḷ.
There is no effective means like wealth, which can make even a socially unregarded person someone others recognize and take seriously.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Nothing exists save wealth, that can / Change man of nought to worthy man.”
“There is nothing like wealth to lend so much consequence to men of no consequence.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
பொருள் அல்லவரைப் பொருளாகச் செய்யும் பொருள்அல்லது= ஒரு பொருளாக மதிக்கப்படாதாரையும் படுவராகச் செய்யவல்ல பொருளை ஒழிய; பொருள் இல்லை= ஒருவனுக்குப் பொருளாவது இல்லை.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar says that no other effective possession equals wealth in its ability to make even a socially unregarded person someone others recognize. This describes wealth's power over public standing; it does not make money the measure of human dignity.