Hoping to introduce my son to திருக்குறள் (ThirukkuRaL), I have been using the opportunity to revisit the great work myself - and to get further with those couplets I have not previously read/understood. I am going to post about it here from time to time.

I am stumped when I read this kuRaL (#236):
"தோன்றின் புகழொடு தோன்றுக அஃதிலார்
தோன்றலின் தோன்றாமை நன்று."

This translates loosely to: One must be born with/or attain fame during their life, otherwise they'd rather not be born. I searched online suspecting I've misinterpreted this, but I can't find an alternate interpretation that confirms my suspicion. To glorify fame is one thing, but to nullify the existence of one has not attained fame - seems too harsh - especially coming from a wise sage. Also, does that put 'those who never tried' and 'those who tried their best but failed' in the same bracket? Is it possible for every individual to achieve fame?

I have also wondered about degrees of fame and how it is viewed differently based on one's profession. As an aspiring/small-time professional singer, I was constantly asked "ellaarum SPB aaga mudiyuma?" (Can everyone become as famous as the singer SP Balasubrahmanyam?) to discourage me from taking up music as a profession, but no one ever asked software engineers "ellaarum Bill Gates aaga mudiyuma?"

Fame, wealth and happiness are not necessarily connected. Which, then, is the real goal of worldly life? (not even going into spiritual life)

Incidentally, I happened to read this quote from Albert Einstein today: A quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest.

(not comparing Einstein and Thiruvalluvar, so no rage please!)