Better than an ascetic?

You generally expect an ascetic to be placed above everyone else whenever a philosopher does the rankings. The idea, perhaps, finds widespread acceptance as well because you see the poor chap doing without so much in life that you feel that it is only right that he gets something out of it. Such, generally, has been the way ascetics have been ranked in most cases.

Tiru, though, seems to swim against the current in this issue. At least when it comes to this Kural.

Aatrin ozhukki aranizhukkaa ilvaazhkkai norppaarin nonmai udaitthu - Tirukkural

The householder, who upholds his virtue while helping others uphold ...