When I wrote the article preceding this, "Make a Distinction Between Quotes & Proverbs, and Attribute Properly!", it was because I saw so many unattributed quotes. The point with that article was to encourage correct attribution. I included one proverb and a couple of quotes, only as an illustration. However, some readers appreciated the examples and asked me to provide more proverbs. So, I will present some of my favourite proverbs here. In a subsequent article, I likewise present some - in my opinion - good quotes.
What is a Proverb?
If you are like me, you find good proverbs to be fascinating. But why is that? Why do we feel this “Well said!” within ourselves when we face a concisely phrased proverb?
To me, it is an experience of beauty to face a general truth expressed in a short and elegant manner, a universal truth stripped down to bare essentials, often expressed metaphorically. A genuine proverb conveys truly universal wisdom about human nature or human life. “A stitch in time saves nine” or “Don't count your chickens before they hatch” are not about chickens or sewing. These are just metaphors to express something far more general. The true meanings of these proverbs are universally valid.
Another important property of proverbs is that they have no known original author, they are traditional sayings without source. Not everyone agrees to this, but considers as proverbs certain sayings from for instance Plato, Confucius, Shakespeare or the Bible. I would rather call the latter proverb-like quotes.
It is hard to define exactly what a proverb is. Indeed, it differs between different languages, different times and different individuals. Miguel de Cervantes said that "A proverb is a short sentence based on long experience."
But let's not dwell more on that. Now it is time to enjoy the timeless beauty and the wisdom of proverbs. (The first one is the same as in the article prior to this. It's one of my absolute favourites, so I could not hold myself from including it here as well.)
Some of My Favourites
“What you see in yourself is what you see in the world."
(Proverb from Afghanistan)
“Life is so short we must move very slowly.”
(Proverb from Thailand)
"To get lost is to learn the way." [Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia.]
(Kiswahili Proverb)
"There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out."
(Russian Proverb)
"The talented hawk hides its claws."
(Japanese Proverb)
"One who proves too much, proves nothing" [Qui nimium probat, nihil probat]
(Latin Proverb)
"However many types of hunting a hunter knows, a bear knows just as many escape routes."
(Turkish Proverb)
"The barking of a dog does not disturb the man on a camel."
(Egyptian Proverb)
"Sweep first before your own door, before you sweep the doorsteps of your neighbours."
(Swedish Proverb)
"Nature does nothing in vain" [Natura nihil fit in frustra]
(Latin Proverb)
"Goodness speaks in a whisper, evil shouts."
(Proverb from Tibet)
If you have other favourite proverbs, please share them in the comments.
Related article: "Some Favourite Quotes".
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Hello @Mictorrani, it is good to have some time to be able to catch up on all your new articles.
I really enjoyed this one; especially the Tibetan proverb you have chosen:
"Goodness speaks in a whisper, evil shouts.".......a message for our times.
Really like the logo by the way and thank you for the upvote.
Very much appreciated.
All the best,