Kural - 595

With rising flood the rising lotus flower its stem unwinds;
The dignity of men is measured by their minds

Explanation
The stalks of water-flowers are proportionate to the depth of water; so is men's greatness proportionate to their minds.

Tamil Transliteration
Vellath Thanaiya Malarneettam Maandhardham
Ullath Thanaiyadhu Uyarvu.