Naaladiyaar – 65
Abstinence by youth is real abstinence;
Charity by one who lacks bountiful wealth is real charity;
One who has the strength to destroy anything,
His restraint is real restraint.
இளையான் அடக்கம் அடக்கம் கிளைபொருள்
இல்லான் கொடையே கொடைப்பயன் – எல்லாம்
ஒறுக்கும் மதுகை உரனுடை யாளன்
பொறுக்கும் பொறையே பொறை.
It is easy for older people to abstain from sensory pleasures. But for a youth to abstain from pleasures is real abstinence. One whose wealth is not growing, who yet gives to charity is real charity. Similarly restraint by one who has the strength to have his own way against any opposition is the real restraint. To have the power and yet have control is the real deal.
இளையான் – youth
அடக்கம் – control (of senses)
கிளை – grow
கொடை – charity
ஒறுக்கும் – destroy
மதுகை – strength
பொறை – patience / restraint
Old Tamil Poetry 
But I believe that nonviolence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment, forgiveness adorns a soldier. But abstinence is forgiveness only when there is the power to punish, it is meaningless when it pretends to proceed from a helpless creature. A mouse hardly forgives cat when it allows itself to be torn to pieces by her. I therefore appreciate the sentiment of those who cry out for the condign punishment of General Dyer and his ilk. They would tear him to pieces if they could. But I do not believe myself to be a helpless creature. Only I want to use India’s and my strength for better purpose.
– Gandhi (Doctrine of the Sword)
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Wow. கிழவர் பத்தி தெரிஞ்சுக்க வேண்டியது நிறைய இருக்கு.
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