Evaluation (மதிப்பிடல்)

Appearance (வெளித்தோற்றம்)

Under Rating ( தாழ்வாக மதிப்பிடல்)

The sage advises not to undermine anyone just by his physical appearance, as he could turn out be as vital as the role played by linchpin guarding wheels of the big moving chariot. Personality is different from physical appearance. Qualification, experience and one’s suitability to the job must be overriding factors rather than one’s looks or physical appearance. Neither Mahatma Gandhi nor Abraham Lincoln had good physical appearances, but they turned out to be powerful personalities and have turned out to become everlasting legends in the annals of history by their deeds and virtues.

உருவுகண்டு எள்ளாமை வேண்டாம் உருள்பெருந் தேருக்கு
அச்சாணி அன்னார் உடைத்து (667)

 Uruvukandu Ellamai Vendam Urulperuntherukku
 Achchani Annar Udaiththu.
  
வெளித் தோற்றத்தை வைத்து  யாரையும் குறைவாக மதிப்பிடக் கூடாது; உருண்டு ஓடும் பெறிய தேரின் சிறிய அச்சாணிக்கு நிகராக அவர் அமையக் கூடும்  

Do not under estimate anyone based on physical appearance, as even a big chariot for it’s movement relies upon the small linchpin guarding it’s wheels

Over Rating (அதீத மதிப்பீடு) 

This is extension of the earlier couplet. While warning the danger of belittling people by their physical appearance, the the poet also cautions against the equal danger of getting carried away by the good physical appearance without considering the true worth of an individual. One who seems to be very good in appearance may in fact could turn out to be a most cruel and dangerous scoundrel; where as, another with very rough exterior may prove to be very good in performance and character. While, the earlier couplet advises against belittling someone based on his appearance, this one brings forth the danger of getting carried away by someone’s attractive physical looks, which can be very deceptive.

In life, we come across so many white collar crooks, acting with great outward sophistication in appearance and behavior, while indulging in unlawful and unethical activities. 

      

கணைகொடிது யாழ்கோடு செவ்விதுஆங் கன்ன
வினைபடு பாலால் கொளல். [279]

Kanaikodidhu Yazhkodu Sevvithuaang Kanna
Vinaipadu Paalal Kolal.

பார்ப்பதற்கு அழகாக இருக்கும் அம்பு மிகவும் கொடியது; கோணலாக காணும் யாழோ நல்ல இன்னிசை கொடுக்க வல்லது. ஆகையினால், ஒருவரை ,அவரின் செயல் திறனே அல்லாது தோற்றத்தை வைத்து மதிப்பிடக் கூடாது.

An arrow looks beautiful but deadly in action, the string instrument “Yahz” looks crooked but generates beautiful music: Likewise, anyone must be judged not by their looks but by their actions and deeds only.