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Wise Sayings
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Wise sayings come in many forms, from quotes to verse passages and poems. But some of the best sources of wisdom come from ancient proverbs taken from many different cultures.
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So what exactly is a proverb? Here is the definition taken from Wikipedia.org
A proverb (from the Latin proverbium) is a simple and concrete saying popularly known and reversed, which expresses a truth, based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity. They are often metaphorical. A proverb that describes a basic rule of conduct may also be known as a maxim. If a proverb is distinguished by particularly good phrasing, it may be known as an aphorism.
Sound a little confusing?
Basically, a proverb is a truth based on common sense or life experience. But rather than being said straight out... it will use a metaphor to teach the lesson. For example, here is a South African proverb:
but he who caught it chased it.
In other words, there are many, many people who chase their dreams & desires, but only half-heartedly. The one who "caught the zebra," chased after it with focused attention until they got what they wanted, and nothing swerved them from their path.
Now, interpretation of these types of sayings is up to the reader and how it may apply to their own current circumstances, lifestyle and beliefs. However, keep in mind that these proverbs and quoted observations, have been gathered over a long period of time, mainly through a wide variety of experiences, as well as the studying of human nature. They do express many common sense truths that we should think about.
| Wise Sayings Found In Ancient Proverbs |
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