Tiruvalluvar
(Tamil: திருவள்ளுவர்) is a celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher whose contribution to Tamil literature is the Thirukkural, a work on ethics. As with most other details about Valluvar, the exact place of his birth remains uncertain. Thiruvalluvar is thought to have lived sometime between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century BC.
The Tamil poet Mamulanar of the Sangam period mentioned that Thiruvalluvar was the greatest Tamil scholar and Mamulanar also mentioned the Nanda Dynasty of northern which ruled until the 4th century BC. This estimate is based on linguistic analysis of his writings, as there is no archaeological evidence for when he lived. He is sometimes also called Theiva Pulavar ("Divine Poet"), Valluvar, Poyyamozhi Pulavar, Senna Pothar,Gnana Vettiyan or Ayyan.
“I never saw Death before, and now I seeThat it is warring eyes in a woman's form.”
“Fame is a jealous mistressAnd will brook no rival.”
“Make foes of bowmen if you must,Never of penmen.”
“Folded hands may conceal a dagger --Likewise a foe's tears.”
“It is politics to please and hoodwink thoseWho flatter but despise us.”
“It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues,Which moves the world.”
“When the rare chance comes, seize itTo do the rare deed.”
“Those who have wisdom have all:Fools with all have nothing.”
“Cling to the One who clings to nothing;And so clinging, cease to cling.”
“Great wealth, like a crowd at a concert,Gathers and melts.”
“Conquer with forbearanceThe excesses of insolence.”
“Those are fools however learnedWho have not learned to walk with the world.”
“The immoral can no more earn respectThan the envious be rich.”
“Virtue alone is happiness; all elseIs else, and without praise.”
“The vast world rainless, one may bid adieuTo charity and penance.”