Young people often get offended by being called inexperienced and argue that wisdom and knowledge don't come with age. Someone in their 20s might have more experience than someone who has lived half a century. In rare cases, it may prove true. Yet, we should listen to older people, not because they are always right or have longer roamed this Earth and hence have more experience. Instead, we should respect them because they likely have more experience being wrong, and mistakes are man's best teachers.
Arguably, one of the most often heard, common English sayings is, "We all make mistakes." And while making mistakes and drawing lessons from failures is a path everyone must accept in life, there's plenty to learn from the mistakes and experiences of others. Common sayings are a legacy and a heritage from our ancestors that have remained true (or become outdated) over the years. Unlike history or scientifically proven truths, common sayings and phrases are accumulated wisdom and advice, rather than facts, shared by people whose life experiences proved them true.
The many common sayings about life are knowledge and practical advice put in a metaphoric form passed from generation to generation, much like an heirloom. Interestingly, the values and morals taught in common proverbs, whether those are African, Italian, or common British sayings, typically share numerous similarities with nations worldwide.
Below, we've compiled a list of proverbs from numerous nations that will ring true to many. Is there a common saying in your family that runs through generations? Also, do any of these words of wisdom originate from abroad yet are often said in your home country? Let us know!
#21
"Only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet." – African proverb
Meaning: you don’t jump straight into a situation without thinking about it first.
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#22
"After the game, the king and pawn go into the same box." – Italian proverb
Meaning: there is no room for arrogance or ego irrespective of one's position.
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#23
"He who always thinks it is too soon is sure to come too late." – German Proverb
Meaning: don't miss your opportunity.
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#24
"Fall seven times, stand up eight." – Japanese proverb
Meaning: never give up.
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#25
"A beautiful thing is never perfect." – Egyptian proverb
Meaning: you are beautiful in spite of your flaws.
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#26
"He who has a head of wax must not walk in the sun." – Italian proverb
Meaning: know your weaknesses.
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#27
"A cat in mittens won't catch mice." – Gaelic proverb
Meaning: being careful not always helps you to do the job.
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#28
"Fruits from the same tree have different tastes." – Chinese proverb
Meaning: members of the same family can be different.
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#29
"A crow will never be a falcon." – Ukrainian proverb
Menaing: there are certain skills that some people have and some don't.
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#30
"Don’t leave today’s work for tomorrow." – Turkish proverb
Meaning: this one emphasizes that one should not delay doing something that can be done today.
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#31
"Life is like a mist or a shadow; it quickly passes by." – African proverb
Meaning: life is too short, and you only live it once.
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#32
"Words should be weighed, not counted." – Yiddish proverb
Menaing: it's very important to consider the impact of the words we say to ourselves and about ourselves.
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#33
"Drop by drop you break the rock" – Italian proverb
Meaning: a task might appear mountainous and pretty much impossible to complete, but by completing a bit at a time and never giving up, you can get there.
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#34
"Measure a thousand times and cut once." – Turkish proverb
Meaning: this proverb demonstrates the importance of preparation and taking the time to be sure.
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#35
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." – African Proverb
Meaning: teamwork makes the dream work. No one can climb the ladder to the top without at least one leg up. Trust the people around you.
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#36
"Slippery ground does not recognise a king." – Kenyan proverb
Meaning: even the most powerful people are just humans.
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#37
"A frog in a well doesn't know the great sea." – Japanese proverb
Meaning: there's more going on than you know.
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#38
"As small as it is, the sparrow has all the rights organs." – Chinese proverb
Meaning: good things come in small packages.
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#39
"If the world flooded, it wouldn't matter to the duck." – Turkish proverb
Meaning: if things are bad for you it doesn't mean they are bad for everyone.
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#40
"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket." – Chinese proverb
Meaning: there is a lot of beauty in the written word.
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