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Proverbial Thursday – Proverbs from Around the World

Forestwood

Proverbial sml

I find there to be profound wisdom in proverbs, sayings and quotes and I marvel at the way they are so succinct in communicating messages to the reader. Mostly anonymous, they come to us from past generations and from across cultures. They speak of the experiences of lives lived and lessons learned. Quotes, like proverbs, make us think more deeply about something.

Each Thursday, I post a Proverb or Saying and a Quote that I find thought-provoking.  I hope you will, too.

 

“A blind chicken will often find an ear of corn.” – Austrian Proverb

Once you realise your past is just a story, it has no power over you

– Author Unknown

Something Proverbial to Ponder About

Published by Forestwood

A philosophic Aussie writes here at StPA, one who will readily admit to loving Scandinavia. I'm interested in global politics and what drives us to be who we are. Scratch the surface and you'll find a practical Environmentalist with an egalitarian bent, trying to unleash a little creativity via the written word. Scandinavian culture, literature and traditions are close to my heart, even though I'm Australian. Travel and courteous discussions greatly broaden the mind, so I travel if I can and am always up for a vigorous, respectful discussion. I'm an avid reader, a writer and I enjoy photography and crafts, particularly traditional art forms. I hope you'll find 'Something to Ponder About,' in my WordPress Community.

21 thoughts on “Proverbial Thursday – Proverbs from Around the World”

  1. I like the second quote. The past is past. What has happened, has happened and we can’t change that. Fact. To move forwards and be the best whom we can be, we have to acknowledge what has happened and focus on the present. There’s always tomorrow to turn over a new leaf and begin again. Then again, I believe sometimes the past is a learning curve – we should only look back at the past when learning a lesson or helping someone along.

    I have no idea what the first proverb means. No clue at all 😀

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    1. The first one is intriguing, albeit a little cryptic. I think it pertains to the ability of some people or chickens to really ‘see’ things that others may miss because there is so much to look at. Or it could mean that despite disability of various kinds, we adapt and find our way to survive in the world. What do you think?

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      1. That is an interesting interpretation of the phrase. I like it. We learn to make the most of what we have where we are. Sort of like how I interpreted the second proverb.

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      2. Yes except the past may haunt and shape us in a negative way if we have experienced trauma.In that case, we must not give it overriding power over determining how we live today. Its always so interesting dissecting these proverbs and quotes with you each week Mabel. I learn so much. Thank you.

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      3. In my country the adopted interpretation is closer to your second guess Amanda. It means:”if you are lucky in life, you don’t need eyes”.

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  3. I love the quote of Buddah. If we are kind, gentle and caring to ourselves, we will know how to respect and honor others. Without compassion, there is no love, no hope, and life holds no meaning.

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  4. Both true. The Austrian one is often quoted in my country 🙂 I’d like to share this with you Amanda. The one I posted last Wednesday. “Your greatness is measured by your kindness; your education and intellect by your modesty; your ignorance is betrayed by your suspicions and prejudices, and your real caliber is measured by the consideration and tolerance you have for others.”
    – William J.H. Boetcker

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    1. Wow – that is some quote, Paula. So many layers contained in it. I think I’ll re-post that another day and credit Boetcker with it, linking back to your blog. Definitely worth it. And it is lovely to know that the Austrian proverb is still frequently used. What is your interpretation of that quote, as you read in the quotes, Mabel Kwong and I had a short discussion about it. I would be very interested in your interpretation, if you would like to share it with me! Thanks so much for stopping by.

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