The Kural · Chapter
LXIII: Intrepidity in the Face of Misfortune explained
This chapter extols the virtue of facing misfortune with courage and a smile, emphasizing that a calm and resolute mind can overcome any adversity.
What happens
This chapter extols the virtue of facing misfortune with courage and a smile, emphasizing that a calm and resolute mind can overcome any adversity. It teaches that troubles dissipate when not feared, and that true strength lies in unwavering effort and detachment from both pleasure and pain.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the narrative shifts from external conflict to an internal, e…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Asceticism and Spiritual Discipline
The chapter advocates for emotional restraint and disciplined response to misfortune, aligning with ascetic ideals of detachment.
- The Vanity of Worldly Life
It underscores the transient nature of both pleasure and pain, urging equanimity in the face of life's vicissitudes.
Characters to notice
- the Kural
The chapter presents the Kural's teachings on intrepidity and resilience in adversity.
- Thiruvalluvar
Thiruvalluvar is the author of these verses, imparting wisdom on facing misfortune.
Key passages
“When thou meetest with misfortune face it with thy best smile: for there is nothing like a smile to enable a man to hold his own against it.”
Confront adversity with a cheerful demeanor, as a smile is the most effective tool to withstand it.
This verse emphasizes the power of a positive attitude in overcoming hardship.
“Behold the man who is prepared to strain his every nerve like the bull-buffalo to wade through every difficulty: he may meet with obstacles but he will send them away disappointed.”
The person who exerts all their effort like a mighty buffalo to overcome challenges will ultimately defeat those obstacles.
This highlights the importance of relentless effort and determination.
“The wise know that the body is a target unto misfortune: and so they worry themselves not when they meet with a calamity.”
The enlightened understand that the body is inherently vulnerable to misfortune, so they do not distress themselves when calamity strikes.
This reflects a philosophical acceptance of life's inherent suffering.
