The Kural · Chapter
LXXXV: Conceited Folly explained
This chapter condemns the folly of conceit and ignorance, emphasizing that true poverty is a lack of wisdom.
What happens
This chapter condemns the folly of conceit and ignorance, emphasizing that true poverty is a lack of wisdom. It warns against the arrogance of pretending to knowledge, the dangers of indiscretion, and the futility of trying to enlighten a fool who believes himself wise.
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
- The Vanity of Worldly Life
Highlights the emptiness of conceit and the folly of valuing superficial knowledge over true wisdom.
- Social Harmony and Ethics
Warns against the disruptive behavior of fools who ignore advice and bring calamity upon themselves and others.
Characters to notice
- the Kural
The chapter's verses are attributed to the Kural, offering moral teachings on folly and conceit.
Key passages
“Dost thou want to know what is shallowness of wit? It is the conceit that sayeth to itself, I am wise.”
Shallowness of wit is defined by the conceit of believing oneself wise.
Critique of self-deceptive arrogance.
“He that trieth to open the eyes of a fool is a fool himself: for the fool seeth but one way and that way is never wrong in his eyes.”
Attempting to enlighten a fool is futile, as the fool is obstinate in his own perspective.
Emphasizes the stubbornness of ignorance.
