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 Common sayings are a legacy and a heritage from our ancestors that have remained true (or become outdated) over the years.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!
#61
"Even a sea bream loses its flavor when eaten alone." – Japanese proverb
Meaning: this saying shows Japan’s emphasis on shared meals with friends and family, and how it’s always better to eat food with those you care about.
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#62
"Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." – English proverb
Meaning: someone who gets enough sleep and starts work early in the day will have a successful life.
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#63
"An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep." – Arabic proverb
Meaning: a group of incompetent people would succeed it their task if led and guided by a potent leader.
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#64
"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers." – Jewish proverb
Meaning: a mother is therefore a reflection of God's love, affection, and other qualities.
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#65
"The path is made by walking." – African proverb
Meaning: if we don't take a step forward, we are always going to be standing in the same exact place.
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#66
"Do not push the river, it will flow itself" – Polish proverb
Meaning: don't force something in life.
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#67
"Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you." – Spanish proverb
Meaning: be careful who you share your secrets with because not everyone is looking out for your best interest.
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#68
"A large chair does not make a king" – Sudanese Proverb
Meaning: it’s easy to say you are a leader without actually possessing any of the attributes of a true leader.
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#69
"A man who uses force is afraid of reasoning." – Kenyan proverb
Meaning: don't get intimidated or upset by somebody who raises their voice, keep yourself cool. If they were coming from a place of reason, they wouldn’t have to raise their voice or intimidate people into doing what they want.
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#70
"You must kill the spider to get rid of the cobweb." – Maltese proverb
Meaning: you have to find the root of the problem to get rid of the symptoms.
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#71
"He who digs a pit for others will fall in it himself." – Romanian proverb
Meaning: what goes around, comes around.
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#72
"A bad ballerina blames the hem of her skirt." – Polish proverb
Meaning: skill isn't in what you use, but how you use it.
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#73
"When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion." – Ethiopian proverb
Meaning: by uniting with others we can achieve a lot.
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#74
"The spoon maker's children often have the worst spoons." – Icelandic proverb
Meaning: some neglect close ones while helping others.
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#75
"A mother understands what a child does not say." – Yiddish proverb
Meaning: a mother always understands what her child needs.
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#76
"Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched." – Australian proverb
Meaning: don't be too confident in anticipating success or good fortune before it is certain.
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#77
"Tell me who your friends are, so I can tell you who you are."– Bulgarian proverb
Meaning: like minds stick together.
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#78
"The devil always takes his gift." – Ukrainian proverb
Meaning: easy come easy go.
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#79
"Save the hay, its time will come." – Turkish proverb
Meaning: if you hold onto something you have for long enough, it will eventually become useful.
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#80
"If your sweetheart is made of honey, don’t lap it all up." – Egyptian proverb
Meaning: don’t take advantage of kindness.
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