TIMELESS WISDOM

"A proverb is the wit of one, and the wisdom of many." — Lord John Russell (c. 1850)

As one grows older, it is natural to look back fondly on the past, cherishing memories that bring nostalgia. Among these, old sayings or proverbs hold a special place.

Proverbs are easy to remember because they are simple, concise, and often rhythmic. People of my generation grew up with proverbs woven into everyday conversations, offering moral guidance, common truths, and practical wisdom. Nearly every culture and language has its own treasure trove of proverbs, passed down through generations.

Historically, proverbs originate from diverse sources, including folklore, literature, religious texts, and oral traditions. The Book of Proverbs, attributed primarily to King Solomon, is a renowned collection of wisdom on topics such as ethics, relationships, and diligence.

In English, proverbs are classified into various categories based on their themes and origins:

• Traditional Proverbs – Passed down through generations (e.g., A stitch in time saves nine); Biblical Proverbs – Derived from the Bible; Literary Proverbs – Found in works of literature; Regional Proverbs – Specific to certain cultures or regions; Modern Proverbs – Newly coined expressions that capture contemporary thoughts.

Interestingly, there are an estimated 300 to 500 proverbs that stem from the Bible. However, some scholars argue that of the 106 most common proverbs across Europe, only 11 can be traced back to biblical origins. Additionally, over 1,400 new English proverbs have emerged and gained popularity in the 20th century.

Proverbs in my early life

As children, we often heard our elders use proverbs in daily conversations. I vividly recall my grandmother frequently repeating a Malayalam saying: "If only there is a wall, you can paint pictures"—a reminder that without good health, nothing can be accomplished. How true it was, especially when I reflect on the untimely loss of my parents and elder brother due to neglecting their health.

Malayalam, my native language, is rich with proverbs such as:

"Even for a crow, its babies are golden." (A mother always sees her child as precious.); "On a single misstep, even an elephant may fall." (Anyone can make mistakes.); "Even a squirrel can do what it can." (From the epic Ramayana, emphasizing that every effort counts.); "In excess, even Amrit is poison." (Too much of anything is harmful.); "Only when you reach near the seed will you know the sourness of a mango." (One must experience something to truly understand it.); "Eat only the bread, don’t count the pans." (Focus on what matters, not on unnecessary details.); Proverbs have no chaff in them (Proverbs are pure wisdom)

My Malayalam teacher had a favourite proverb for slow learners: "If necessary, jackfruits can grow even on roots." This was based on the common sight in Kerala of jackfruits sprouting from exposed roots.

In our English classes, we were made to write and memorize well-known proverbs such as:

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away"; "All that glitters is not gold"; "Time and tide wait for no man"; "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise"; "Slow and steady wins the race."

My father, a scholar of English literature and also the principal of our college, frequently quoted English proverbs. When my sisters and I crowded the kitchen, he would quip, "Too many cooks spoil the broth." On cleanliness, he would remind us, "Cleanliness is next to godliness." He believed in hard work and often repeated, "No pains, no gains."

At college, when students idled away free periods, he would walk in quietly and say, "Gather ye roses while ye may." (Seize the moment.)

Bihari Proverbs    In later years of my life I worked in Bihar, and thus became aware of some of the proverbs in Hindi. Proverbs from Bihar, like those in Hindi in general, are deeply rooted in everyday life, reflecting the region’s wisdom, humour, and practical knowledge. Bihari proverbs often use rustic imagery, drawing from agriculture, rivers, and rural livelihoods. For example, "जाके पाँव ना फटी बिवाई, वो क्या जाने पीर पराई" (One who has never had cracked heels cannot understand others' pain) speaks of empathy gained through experience. Similarly, "नाच न आवे, आंगन टेढ़ा" (If one cannot dance, they blame the uneven floor) highlights the tendency to make excuses.

Hindi proverbs, in general, cover a wide range of themes—perseverance ("धीरे-धीरे रे मना, धीरे सब कुछ होय"), morality ("जो गरजते हैं, वो बरसते नहीं"), and wisdom ("ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा")—providing timeless insights. These proverbs, passed down through generations, continue to shape thought and conversation across India.

Influence of Proverbs

Looking back, I realize that proverbs have had a profound impact on my life. Many guided me through many of life’s challenges:

"Where there’s a will, there’s a way." – Inspired me to persevere; "God helps those who help themselves." – Encouraged self-reliance; "No pain, no gain." – Motivated me to work hard; "Knowledge is power." – Reinforced the value of learning; "Don’t cry over spilled milk." – Helped me move on from failures; "Every cloud has a silver lining." – Reminded me that better days lie ahead; "Time heals all wounds." – Provided comfort in personal losses; "No man is an island." – Emphasized the importance of relationships.

I have always tried to live by "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil," popularized by Mahatma Gandhi. Through experience, I learned that "Honesty is the best policy," as it is far easier to tell the truth once than to maintain a lie. I also came to appreciate the wisdom in "Strike while the iron is hot" and "Make hay while the sun shines," which taught me never to miss an opportunity.

Aphorisms: Proverbs' Close Cousins

Aphorisms, like proverbs, are concise statements expressing general truths. Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, compiled some of the world’s best aphorisms in Poor Richard’s Almanack, first published in 1733. Some of my favourites include:

"Hunger never saw bad bread "; "Well done is better than well said"; "A small leak will sink a great ship"; "Lost time is never found again"; "A good example is the best sermon"; "We may give advice, but we cannot give conduct."; “Without Justice courage is weak”; “Poverty wants some things, luxury many things and Avarice all things.

Franklin also had a humorous side:

• "Mary’s mouth costs her nothing, for she never opens it but at others' expense."
• "A good lawyer is a bad neighbour."
• "After three days, men grow weary of a wench, a guest, and rainy weather."

Are Proverbs Dying?

Today, I realize that traditional proverbs have almost disappeared from everyday conversations. However, they are not entirely dead; they have simply evolved with the digital age.

While oral storytelling once preserved proverbs, digital communication has reshaped how wisdom is shared. Younger generations may find them too formal for fast-paced conversations, preferring memes, emojis, and viral quotes instead. Nevertheless, literature, media, and even AI chatbots continue to use proverbs, keeping them relevant.

The digital age has also played a role in archiving and reviving proverbs. Online dictionaries, cultural blogs, and search engines ensure that these nuggets of wisdom remain accessible.

As someone from an older generation, I am slowly adjusting to this fast-paced, tech-driven world. Yet, I still cherish the proverbs of the past, for they remind me that "All that glitters is not gold" and, more importantly, that "Old is gold."

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