Proverbial Thursday – Global Wisdom

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, these global words of advice 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 Thursday – Wisdom for All

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. Valuable life lessons.  Quotes, like proverbs, make us think more deeply about something.

So, with that in mind, each Thursday, I post a Proverb or Saying, and a Quote from different cultures and parts of the world, that I have found thought-provoking. I hope you think so too. I invite you to comment on your thoughts behind the meaning of these, often enigmatic, words.

You are very welcome to join in the discussion!

You can find previous Proverbial Thursday Quotes here – some of the discussions are fascinating.

 

 

 

 

Endurance produces character, and character produces hope – Unknown

 

 

 

As the day draws to a close, I am feeling a bit exhausted, so this quote found relevance in my life:

Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities crept in. Forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you should begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. He was seen as a champion of individualism, freedom, the ability for humankind to realize almost anything, and the relationship between the soul and the surrounding world. Emerson’s “nature” was more philosophical than naturalistic: “Philosophically considered, the universe is composed of Nature and the Soul”.

 

Waldo Emerson is also well-known as a mentor and friend of Henry David Thoreau, a fellow transcendentalist, whose quote were showcased here.

Discussion:

It is a shame that we aren’t able to credit the proverb with any particular person. To me, this means it is sage-ful advice gleaned from many disappointments and sorrow. There is a positive we can draw from adversity. Hope is so important in our sometimes troubled lives. For some, hope is all they have.

 

Has keeping ‘Hope’ alive, helped you through some tough times?

Is it too difficult to put Emerson’s quote into practice? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Something Inspirational to Ponder About

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Proverbial Thursday – Global Words of Wisdom

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. Valuable life lessons.  Quotes, like proverbs, make us think more deeply about something.

So, with that in mind, each Thursday, I post a Proverb or Saying, and a Quote from different cultures and parts of the world, that I have found thought-provoking. I hope you think so too. I invite you to comment on your thoughts behind the meaning of these, often enigmatic, words.

You are very welcome to join in the discussion!

You can find previous Proverbial Thursday Quotes here – some of the discussions are fascinating.

In calm water, every ship has a good captain ~

Swedish Proverb

Although the proverb’s words did not help the ship:’Vasa’ on its maiden voyage, from Stockholm, in 1628! Read more about visiting Stockholm and what happened to the King’s ship here.

The quote I have chosen this week, does not necessarily apply only to school students, but also to workers, and all who interact with others, or reside in a community. The student’s  words struck me as profound, especially for someone with much of her life ahead of her.

“It wasn’t the friendship, fights and drifts that broke us; it was if we allowed that to fester into deep grudges and acts of revenge.  It wasn’t completing the assessment pieces that made us; it was feeling stressed or so over them after Term 1 and yet repeating that process in Term 2, then Term 3, then Term 4.  And it wasn’t the embarrassment or judgment from people that broke us; it was whether we allowed that to shatter our confidence and self-belief.”

J Tinn – School Student 2016

The student’s words made me think it is not the misfortune or good news in itself, that affects our mood, it is how we perceive the words relative to our own sphere, how we individually interpret, accept or reject the words; how much we let the words get under our skin, or soak them up; how much we react to the words and what that reaction looks like. We can choose whether the words help or hinder us.

Is this true? We always have a personal, inner choice on how we react, even when there seems no other option? I believe so.  For whilst we cannot control what others might or might not do, we can always control how we act and – react. Do you agree?

And do you think the Swedish proverb has any relevance in today’s world or is it applicable only, to times gone by?

Something to Ponder About

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Proverbial Thursday – Global words of Wisdom

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.

The proverb this week comes presumably as far back as Viking times when woman used to wear their keys on belts around their waist.

Not all keys hang from one girdle –

Norwegian  Proverb

and a quote from  Henry David Thoreau, ( American essayist, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, and historian)

“Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that is it not fish they are after.”

Comment: Thoreau appears to be thumbing his nose at those who appear blind in the metaphorical sense. Is he referring to those who bury themselves in work only to lament their all too brief time with family, upon their death bed or in infirmed retirement?

What is your interpretation of his words?

Henry David Thoreau anticipated the methods and findings of ecology and environmental history, two sources of modern-day environmentalism. His literary style interweaves close observation of nature, personal experience, pointed rhetoric, symbolic meanings, and historical lore, while displaying a poetic sensibility, philosophical austerity, and Yankee attention to practical detail.  He was also deeply interested in the idea of survival in the face of hostile elements, historical change, and natural decay; at the same time he advocated abandoning waste and illusion in order to discover life’s true essential needs.[Source:Wikipedia] and his sympathies for anarchy are summed up with his words:

“That government is best which governs not at all; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.”

I doubt that this sort of government appears likely or even practical as there needs to be some leadership, some central entity. I don’t feel that anarchy is even desirable. Every ship needs a captain. In Australian politics, one government leader attempted to  govern by consensus, which whilst admirable in terms of equity, did not serve the country nor the people well in practice.

What do you make of the proverb? And Thoreau’s warning on society and life? Is anarchy a tenable option in any way?

Something to Ponder About

Proverbial Thursday – Global Words of Wisdom

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.

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

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 pretense?

That is Something to Ponder About

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Proverbial Thursday – Global Proverb and Sayings

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 do, as well. I would love to hear your comments on the words shared here.

Those who have free seats at a play hiss first

– Chinese Proverb

 

 

Do you agree with the Chinese proverb that those receiving things for free undervalue their gift?  If so, then are the paying customers artificially inflating the worth of the play because it has cost them the entrance ticket.

And what of the specialist paid critic, who may receive a free ticket but gets paid to do a job? is the line blurred?

 

and this:

“The only way to be cool is accidentally”

-Benjamin Taylor (son of James Taylor)

Is this necessarily true?

Ben Taylor may have felt he was ‘cool’ due to his fortuitous birth to two music icons, but what really is ‘cool?’ Is it the ability to read people and be articulate, attuned to others, empathic and an all round nice person, that makes for popularity?

The cool kids at school were not always the nicest nor the most articulate, more sassy, I think. So did they have an intangible charisma? Is this really the definition of cool?

I invite you to comment or post your thoughts.

 

Something to Ponder About this Thursday.

 

 

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Proverbial Thursday – Global words of Wisdom

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 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.

The proverb this week comes with thanks to Tidious Ted:

Never talk about ropes when visiting a hanged man’s family

– Spanish proverb

You can not depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus 

– Unknown

And finally, this week, a quote that is subject to many interpretations:

Many a small things has been made large by the right kind of advertising

-MARK TWAIN*

*Samuel Langhorne Clemens is better known by his pen name, Mark Twain and was born on November 30, 1835…  [More: here]   Mark Twain traveled many roads during his life and patented a variety of inventions. Despite experiencing poverty during his younger years he became a household name, received a honorary doctorate and advised politicians on copyright law.

 

I can see a connection between the quotes and sayings albeit a little oblique. Tell me if you do?  If not, perhaps I have given you Something to Ponder About

Proverbial Thursday – Global Words of Wisdom

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 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.

 

As politics in the Western world is front and centre, the proverb and quotes this week are my own reflection on the current situation. You may be someone who is not interested in politics, but as it affects how each and every of us live our lives, to varying degrees, it is vitally important to have an opinion.  As we can see things can so very quickly change from one day to the next.

Something to Ponder About?

To deceive a diplomat – speak the truth, he has no experience with it –

Greek Proverb

A few words from the Women’s marches in America earlier this week:

Women’s Rights aren’t up for GRABS.

Disability Rights are Civil Rights.

Respect for Existence or Expect Resistance.

https://friendlyfairytales.com/

 

and a final quote on materialism:

 

“Things that you own, end up owning you.”

annaherschand.com

Do you agree with the final quote?

The Greeks invented Democracy and yet their proverb sound quite cynical, don’t you think? Why would this be?

Were there marches in your city? How did you feel about them?

I would be pleased to hear your thoughts. Add to the discussion!

Proverbial Thursday – Global Words of Wisdom

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 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.

The greater love is a mother’s; then comes a dog’s; then a sweetheart’s –

Polish Proverb

“I would rather be poor with lots of stories to tell, then rich with nothing to say “-

Kari Lundgren

 

The Lundgren quote reminds me that some one could be wealthy, and also feel quite lonely, yet a person might conversely remain financially poor, whilst living comfortably in an environment where there is lots of humour, company and animated conversation. Being rich is not only about money.

The Polish proverb speaks of our early experiences of love and the unique and very special love that a nurturing mother/carer can give a child. Pet Dogs, and other animals, can also be incredibly loyal to their owners, but their affection is quite different to a maternal love. But how?

This proverb reminds me that people and others may have expectations around the term Mother. We expect Mothers to be loyal, reliable and caring and others less so, perhaps because they have not got as much to lose? A mother’s/primary carer’s love might be less self-centred, and more altruistic than others, as there is a strong drive in Mothers/primary carers to assist their children to do better, succeed, go forward in life, than themselves.

What do you think? Would you agree?

How does maternal love differ from other sorts of affections?

 

Something to Ponder About this Thursday

 

Proverbial Thursday – Global Words to Live By

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.

Many thanks to TidiousTed who has supplied us with an excellent proverb to mull over and discuss this week.

 “Everyone walks the furthest in their own company” – Icelandic proverb

and from Mark Twain, a gem:

“Principles have no real force except when one is well-fed”

– Mark Twain

I invite you to leave a comment and tell me what you think of the Icelandic proverb and Mark Twain’s quote.

The journey always seems shorter when accompanied by a friend. Particularly so, if one was walking the long lonely roads through the Icelandic mountain passes. Would you agree?

Samuel Langhorne Clemens is better known by his pen name, Mark Twain and was born on November 30, 1835…  [More: here]   Mark Twain traveled many roads during his life and patented a variety of inventions. Despite experiencing poverty during his younger years he became a household name, received a honarary doctorate and advised politicians on copyright law. Perhaps this had a bearing on his quote, that I have selected to showcase, this week. What do you think?

Surely something to ponder about.

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Proverbial Thursday – Global Proverbs and Sayings

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.

Dig a well then close the well, but do not fire a worker – Arabic Proverb

 The Arabic proverb is somewhat of an enigma to me. Is it metaphorical, literal, or satirical?

The Saying this week comes from a strong, peace- loving person, and again an enigmatic quote that really makes me ponder the things our enemies can teach us. The value of human life, all human life, whether they are your friend or enemy.

Tragic circumstances help you develop inner strength, the courage to face them without emotional breakdown. Who teaches this? Not your friend, but your enemy. Dalai Lama

What do you make of this week’s words of wisdom?

Something for you to ponder about this Thursday

Proverbial Thursday -Global Words of Wisdom

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.

Live your own life, for you will die your own death.
– Latin Proverb

Challenge doesn’t build character, it reveals it – Unknown

Do you agree?

Something to Ponder About this Thursday

Proverbial Thursday – Global Wisdom

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 society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit in –Greek Proverb

People who don’t take risks generally make about two big mistakes a year. People who do take risks make about two big mistakes a year

–Peter Drucker.

Peter Drucker, hitherto unheard of by me, (for clearly I have led a sheltered life – lol), was apparently an Austrian-born American management consultant, educator, and author, whose writings have come to be regarded as landmark foundations of the modern business management. Sufficiently interested?

Read more here

The proverb above has featured in many different forms, stating a similar sentiment.  I find it interesting to be ascribed as a Greek proverb. Have you heard this proverb before?

If so where?

And how does Peter Drucker’s words alter your perception of risk?

Something to Ponder About this Thursday