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 thousand workers, a thousand plans” – Chinese Proverb
You do the thing you’re scared shitless of and then you get your courage. Not before. That’s the way it works. Three Kings, (Movie)
What do you make of the saying and the Proverb? Do you agree?
If not, why not?
(Oh! I sound like one of those dreadful surveys asking you to rate things between 1 and 10 then asking you to justify your answers…. please let me know your thoughts anyway).
Something to Ponder About this Thursday*
- for past discussions on Proverbial Thursday, use the Search bar and enter Proverbial Thursday
Something to Ponder About 
That is rather true. I always think about things first and worry and fret over it. Then I will do it and it works out and I think to myself why did I worry so much about it. Like now I am planning a book of my photos. It is a scary prospect. It is about raising money to actually publish it and that means approaching people to help me. It is always about that first step that is the hardest.
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I can see you ‘get’ this proverb, Raewyn. Overthinking things can often me that proportion or perspective is lost. I often wonder why our brains reacts in such a negative way, as opposed to being positive. Perhaps we are rehearsing for the worst, so that we are prepared?
The Photographic books sounds like such an exciting project! Well done for giving it a go! If some of your photos are any indication, you will have many people wanting it. Your photos are amazing!!
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I’ve never heard of the Chinese proverb before. It reminds me of the saying the more, the merrier and that many heads is better than one. With more minds, we are able to come up with more suggestions and solutions – that is, if we are tolerant of each other and each other’s opinions. I suppose with more workers, there is more power. Or more teamwork and sometimes things can be done much more efficiently when you have more people around.
I agree with the second quote. Courage is learnt by doing, and often we learn it when we are uncomfortable and use all of our resources to power through a certain situation. When we stay where we are and feel comfortable, that is often the easy way out – we aren’t testing the waters as to what else we can and cannot do. Even if we fail, we probably might walk away with some newfound revelation about ourselves.
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Thanks for your words Mabel. As always, you can offer such clarity in your comments! However, the Chinese proverb I tended to view in a critical meaning – in that the more workers, the more opinions. A bit like: To many cooks spoil the broth. A thousand ideas are good, but not if everyone has the power to drive the idea. Leadership is still important or else a multitude of petty bickering and quarrels might mean nothing gets achieves.
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The thousand workers and thousand plans to me means something similar to “too many cooks spoil the broth” – everyone has his own idea of what or how something should be done, and it is difficult to get any teamwork accomplished. To get people working together in a positive way should be the goal of good leaders. Being retired, I can enjoy reverting back to my loner nature. 😉
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Thanks Hildegard for your excellent comment, and I apologise for my delay in replying. I don’t have full internet access at the moment. I concur with your interpretation of the Chinese proverb. Proverbs can be interpreted in many different ways, and I think that is why they are so interesting to examine. In the past, there are examples of community organizations who spend far too much time debating minor issues, when clear leadership to cut through and make definitive decisions is needed. It is always great to have input and consensus but it is not always possible and this is when we rely on our leaders to make the right decision on our behalfs! Unfortunately, they don’t alway make the right decision!!
I can also relate to your feelings of enjoying a more self contained lifestyle as one ages. Peace and quiet replaces the desire for partying!!!
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