The most valuable wealth of a man is his knowledge, which cannot

“The most valuable wealth of a man is his knowledge, which cannot be destroyed; all other riches that he has gained are not considered to be wealth at all.” — Thiruvalluvar

In this eternal utterance, the sage Thiruvalluvar, the ancient poet-philosopher of the Tamil land, speaks of the one treasure that time, fire, or fate cannot consume — knowledge. Born over two millennia ago, Thiruvalluvar wrote the Tirukkural, a scripture of wisdom that stands beside the teachings of the world’s greatest minds. His words are not of gold or conquest, but of truth and virtue. He declares that all worldly riches — the glitter of coins, the beauty of jewels, the pride of property — are but shadows, for they perish with circumstance. Only knowledge, born of study, reflection, and experience, endures. It is the lamp that continues to burn, even when all else falls into darkness.

To the ancient sages, knowledge was not merely the gathering of facts but the awakening of the soul. It was the power that raised a man from mere existence to understanding. When Thiruvalluvar says that it “cannot be destroyed,” he speaks not only of its permanence but of its invincibility — for no thief can steal it, no ruler can confiscate it, and no calamity can wash it away. The house of gold may burn, the fields of grain may wither, but the wisdom gained through learning lives on, lighting the path through every trial. True wealth, therefore, is not stored in chests, but carried in the mind.

History bears witness to this truth. Consider Chanakya, the great philosopher and strategist of ancient India. He lived at a time when kingdoms rose and fell like the tides, yet he possessed nothing but his intellect — sharp as the edge of a sword. When he was cast out of the royal court, stripped of power and comfort, he did not despair. With nothing but his knowledge, he trained a young prince, Chandragupta, and together they built an empire. Chanakya’s mind was his fortress; his wisdom, his weapon. Even when wealth was lost, it was knowledge that restored greatness.

So too, in every age, men and women who held fast to learning have triumphed where the wealthy have perished. The treasures of kings lie buried beneath centuries of dust, but the words of sages — of Thiruvalluvar, Confucius, Socrates, and countless others — still breathe life into human hearts. Their knowledge has outlived their temples and thrones. For material wealth is bound to the world, but knowledge belongs to the spirit. It multiplies when shared, it deepens when questioned, and it lives on in the minds it awakens.

Thiruvalluvar’s wisdom also bears a moral dimension. He reminds us that riches without understanding lead to arrogance and ruin. Gold can build palaces, but it cannot build peace. It can purchase servants, but not loyalty; pleasure, but not wisdom. Only knowledge teaches discernment — how to live well, how to act justly, how to honor life and others. A man rich in knowledge brings benefit to all around him; his wealth is not confined to himself but radiates like sunlight, warming all it touches. The ignorant rich, on the other hand, hoard what perishes, while the wise share what endures.

Therefore, my child, if you seek to become truly wealthy, do not chase the fleeting shine of coins. Seek instead the radiance of understanding. Read deeply. Listen humbly. Observe the world with eyes that question and a heart that reflects. For every truth you learn becomes a jewel within you — one that no thief, no tyrant, no fire, and no death can take away. The learned man walks among kings as an equal, for his kingdom lies within.

And so, Thiruvalluvar’s voice resounds through time, like a temple bell ringing across the ages: “Knowledge is the most valuable wealth.” It is the shield against misfortune, the compass in confusion, the foundation upon which civilizations rise. Let every dawn find you seeking it, and every dusk find you grateful for it. For when your life’s gold turns to dust, and all you own is scattered to the winds, it is your knowledge that will stand beside you — silent, steadfast, and eternal — the one treasure you can never lose.