Shloka 64
Ārjava, Satya, and the Virocana–Sudhanvan Exemplum
Udyoga-parva 35
एवं मनुष्यमप्येकं॑ गुणैरपि समन्वितम् । शवयं द्विषन्तो मन्यन्ते वायुर्द्रममिवैकजम्,इसी प्रकार समस्त गुणोंसे सम्पन्न मनुष्यको भी अकेले होनेपर शत्रु अपनी शक्तिके अंदर समझते हैं, जैसे अकेले वृक्षको वायु
evaṁ manuṣyam apy ekaṁ guṇair api samanvitam | śatravaḥ dviṣantaḥ manyante vāyur dramam ivaikajam ||
Even a man who is endowed with virtues—if he stands alone—his enemies, hating him, deem him to be within their power, just as the wind overpowers a solitary tree.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even virtue and capability may not protect someone who is isolated; hostility exploits solitude. The verse advises seeking support—friends, allies, and safeguards—so that one is not easily dominated by adversaries.
Vidura is giving counsel in the Udyoga Parva, using a vivid simile: just as wind can break or uproot a lone tree, enemies consider even a virtuous person vulnerable when he is without backing.