Many hands make light work?
Some examples of proverbs -something that is said as to be an expression of Truth are:
- A little knowledge is a dangerous thing
- A little learning is a dangerous thing
- A penny saved is a penny earned
- A picture paints a thousand words
- A bad beginning makes a bad ending
- A bad workman quarrels with his tools
- A bargain is a bargain
- A beggar can never be bankrupt
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
- The exception proves the rule
Other examples of sayings can be find here and here.
Sayings and proverbs are in a single sentence condensed knowledge and experience. They are easy to understand and to remember. Many of them are taught in schools, sayings and proverbs are easy to use and it is a great way to communicate complex ideas.
However, we bet that you easily can argue that in some situations following the “Truth” of proverbs and sayings would lead to counterproductive and even disastrous results. There are often proverbs that contradict each other, such as “Look before you leap” and “He who hesitates is lost.” These have been labeled “counter proverbs“
We have to conclude that sayings and proverbs are fundamentally logic bubbles or thinking patterns, which could be adequate in some circumstances and in other circumstances totally inadequate.
When using a saying or proverb, think about if the saying or proverb is conveying the right message in that specific situation. The same applies for using quotes the repetition of someone else’s statement or thoughts. For examples, see quoteshelp.
“Learn till old, live till old, and there is still one-third not learned.
“It means that no matter how old you are, there is still more learning or studying left to do.
