Proverbs are generally thought of as having a religious origin or background, but by definition proverbs are “a short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin. It carefully expresses a common and universal truth.”
These little nuggets of wisdom have been repeated by many different cultures around the world in various ways. After years of researching and collecting quotes and proverbs for my books, as well as motivational material for my sales force, I have amassed an extraordinary amount of wisdom on various topics and purposes. These proverbs from around the world were especially inspiring, shedding light on the human thought process as well as human nature itself.
The great English philosopher, statesman, scientist, orator, and author; Francis Bacon said, “The genius, wit, and spirit of a nation are discovered through its proverbs.”
Of the thousands of proverbs I have found, I can only list 7 here due to space limitations and simple contemplation.
• Wealth without use is not wealth.
– Punjabi Proverb
You can’t take it with you. Something good has to come out of your hard work or luck. Wealth for selfish reasons defeats whatever reason you had for accumulating that wealth.
• We all start as children. (Errors should be expected from beginners.)
-Swedish proverb
This proverb has more to do with forgiveness. Forgive not only the people around you, but also yourself. We all make mistakes and it is helpful to remember that we are all doing our best in our lives. Mistakes and failures are a big part of life and success.
• You can’t please everyone. (He who liked everyone died before he was born.)
-Russian proverb
The surest way to fail is to be everything to everyone. Make a deal where you will never please everyone. Please yourself first.
• live the difference (The differences we have is what makes us interesting and unique).
– French proverb
Imagine a world where we all see each other and behave the same way. She thought and believed the same things. It would be a very bland world. Our differences keep things interesting, create progress, and help us evolve as a people and a culture.
• Don’t set sail using someone else’s star. (Don’t follow someone else’s dream. Just because someone does something successful, don’t imitate them, follow your own dreams.)
– African Proverb
It is very easy to get caught up in trends or go with the crowd. This is especially true when you are young, when you don’t have a good sense of who you are and lack direction. Trends and crowds are very fickle and are always late for new opportunities. It would be wise to discover your dreams and passions first before leaving for a destination. Once you know your direction and path, everything else becomes clear.
• Remember that you are going to die. (Latin equivalent: Memento mori. You won’t live forever, so make sure you do things that are really entertaining or really important.)
– German proverb
In a hundred years, you’ll be dead anyway. So what if you embarrass yourself? Take risks, follow your dreams and persevere. No one but you will have to live with regret, much less remember it.
• Only the brave deserve the fair. (Only the brave deserve the best things in life).
– English Proverb
Cheer up my friend! The lazy and the weak are doomed to live an unhappy life. Courage is the first of all virtues because without courage you will not be able to live your full potential.
