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Proverbial Thursday – Global Words of Wisdom

Forestwood

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 think so too.

proverbial-thurs

You can’t wake a person who is pretending to be asleep –

Navajo Proverb

“And this is what really counts, not just achieving things, but the advantage you have taken of your opportunities and the opportunities you created. Each of us has to discover his own path, of that I am sure. Some paths will be spectacular and other peaceful and quiet and who is to say which is the most important? For me the most rewarding moments have not always been the great moments, for what can surpass a tear on your departure, joy on your return, or a trusting hand in yours? Most of all, I am thankful for the tasks still left to do – for the adventure still lying ahead”  –

Sir Edmund Hilary

Lunch with Edmund Hilary at 760 metres at MT Cook /Aoraki

I may be with the statue of the great mountaineer, here, but as a young child, I was fortunate enough to have him visit our school,  shortly after his  successful assault on Mt Everest. Hilary was someone who contributed to many and various social projects in Nepal, and maintained close relationships with the country and the people, all throughout his life.  This is Nepal. It touches one’s soul, and one can never completely eradicate the desire to one day, return again.

I think Hilary’s words are profound and inspiring to a younger generation for whom the conquest of the world’s highest mountain is merely not if it will be done, but how many will succeed.

What do you make of his words?

Is the Navajo quote referring to something deeper or merely pretence?

Lunch with Edmund Hilary at 760 metres at MT Cook /AorakiThat is Something to Ponder About

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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.

14 thoughts on “Proverbial Thursday – Global Words of Wisdom”

  3. The Navajos have a point. If someone wants to close their minds to something, it is surely hard to convince.
    For us the words of Edmund Hilary reminds us about the journey of life. Some of us will have it “exciting” yet others have it peaceful/transquil as he referred. Each person runs his own race in this journey of life and for him successfully climbing Everest was just one part of that journey.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nicely summarised Mel & Suan. It is important we see that we keep our focus on being a sole runner in a global community of race participants. It doesn’t pay to delve too deeply into the race plans of others as they only make sense to them.
      Furthermore, I think Hilary was emphasizing the belief that it is more important to utilize our skills we inherently have. It is all very well to be smart or physically adept but how we use that to better mankind and the planet is the challenge and what is really important. We should not waste our skills. However, is this contrary advice to sticking to one’s journey? What if our journey and choice is at some stage to ignore and waste our talents? Is this only a subjective opinion that could be held by others, when the person may have a very good reason for sitting ‘idle’ for a while? I feel conflicted in my opinion here, Mel & Suan. What do you think?

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      1. Our central belief (Mel & Suan) is that each individual need to run his/her own race in life. Be that wasted or fruitful, those are individual choices. To one what seems wasted may not be so to another.

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      2. I concur. Individual choice has to be factored into a judgement made by any external party.
        We all run our own race, as a hare, a tortoise or something inbetween!
        Thanks for your comment and input. Much appreciated!

        Liked by 1 person

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