is no sin, but to be devoid of manly effort is a thing of disgrace. Even though one is not ordained by fate to secure a particular thing, if one makes an honest and earnest effort, that itself is a sure step towards success. And sometimes, a man who is of strong manly effort, even if he is not as fortunate as his brothers or brethren to reap quick benefits or to become suddenly great or wealthy, is sure to receive at least his due wages. Probably, on occasions he may not be able to achieve spectacular distinction or reward. But, persons who undauntedly labour and work hard can conquer fate, even if fate has willed otherwise.

Thiruvalluvar wants us to laugh, as pointed before, even amidst great dangers, for that is the only way in which dangers or sorrows can be overcome. People who do not sorrow in the midst of sorrow actually torment sorrow. Just as a bullock while drawing a cart through deep mire and sand struggles hard against all difficulties by lowering its very nose near to the earth, by bending its knees, and by pulling hard, people who want to become great should not hesitate to encounter difficulties in their way. If troubles come even in quick succession, the brave man should never be daunted by them. Even in the midst of happiness and joy, the person, who has cultivated a disposition to think that after all sorrow is the lot of man, never becomes troubled in mind. Anyone who regards even troubles and distresses as pleasure becomes great and is sometimes worshipped by his own enemies. This has become true in various continents and climes where great leaders of thought and leaders in political life have sacrificed their lives for holding aloft the torch of learning and for keeping the flag of their country flying high.

Thiruvalluvar has devoted a fine chapter to "Agriculture". He says that agriculture, though a laborious profession, is the most excellent one, because all other professions will not survive if there is no production of food. Agriculturists are more or less a linch-pin of the world and are the support of other toilers who cannot till the soil. It can be said that those that live on agriculture alone lead a proper life; all others may be regarded as carrying on a cringing and dependent life. Partiotic farmers are able to bring other states and nations under the umbrella of their country. Even the ascetics who abhor possessions and do not apparently have desire for anything will suffer, if the farmers do not do their duty. Thiruvalluvar has laid great stress on manuring. "Manuring is better than ploughing, and after weeding, watching is better than watering." The agriculturist who lives nearer to his farm is sure to reap better benefits than the one who is an absentee landlord. This proximity to the field of operation has been emphasised by Thiruvalluvar as follows: "If the owner does not personally attend to his cultivation, his land