Kulaththinaal ennaam gunamiliarkku unmai
Kulamtharum kalvi yaadho.
What use is family lineage to those without good character? Cultivation through learning is what truly gives family honor.
குணமில்லாதவர்களுக்கு குலம் என்ன பயன்? கல்வியே குலத்தை தரும்.
Family lineage means nothing without personal character. And what truly confers 'good family' status is education and cultivation — NOT birth. Valluvar systematically demolishes birth-based hierarchy throughout the Thirukkural. Character + education = true family honor, regardless of birth.