The Secret of Proverbs

Proverbs, which have been passed down since ancient times, are overflowing with profound charm.

I have introduced several of them in previous articles, but why is it that these "proverbs" capture and attract our hearts so much?
Today, I will talk about the secret of such "proverbs."

<The Charm of Proverbs>

(Short and rhythmic)

Proverbs are very compactly put together, yet they strike at the essence of life.

Words that are short and rhythmic like this are easy to say, easily enter the human brain, and are easy to remember.
That is precisely why they are easily spread by word of mouth.

(Accumulation of experience)

Proverbs are the culmination of the accumulation of successes and failures experienced and repeated by many people over many long years.

The fact that they are not the opinion of just one person makes them easy to trust.
This is because the essence of humanity does not change even if the times change.

(Concrete imagery)

Proverbs allow you to visualize the situation in your head just by seeing them.

In other words, they are very easy to understand and hard to forget.

(Practicality)

Proverbs can be used like cushion words in conversation.

A proverb that is perfect for the situation is a very convenient phrase that, compared to direct expressions, can convey its meaning and atmosphere persuasively and gain agreement without offending the other party.

(Narrative quality)

Proverbs represent small stories.

People empathize with these stories and, through them, re-examine their own actions, which is why they are easy to remember.

(Prescription for the heart)

Proverbs give those facing difficulties a sense of relief that "I am not the only one suffering."

Proverbs like "Even monkeys fall from trees" help soften the blow of embarrassing failures.
In that sense, they can be called prescriptions for the heart.

<The Pitfalls of Proverbs>

If used incorrectly, proverbs can lead you into dangerous pitfalls, such as justifying your failures.

(Three years on a stone)

You should not endure for three years if the method is wrong or the environment is toxic.

You need to carefully determine whether something is positive for you and whether you can grow from it.

There are also articles that explain how to keep going and how to determine when you should stop.

(When in Rome, do as the Romans do)

Even if you enter a bad environment, you do not need to comply with illegal or unreasonable things.

You should clearly distinguish between what you should protect and what you should change.

(The nail that sticks out gets hammered down)

If you try too hard to avoid being hammered down, you may fall into a state of complacency and stop challenging yourself with new things.

You should think about how to avoid being hammered down.

(If you are in a hurry, take the long way around)

It depends on the time and situation.
If you are too cautious, you might end up missing out on opportunities.

Taking a step forward and trying something out is also important.

You must use it selectively with "Strike while the iron is hot" depending on the situation.

(Dust piled up becomes a mountain)

Accumulating small successful experiences is good, but if these are inefficient or incorrect, no matter how much you do, it will end in vain and amount to nothing.

(A talented hawk hides its talons)

You must be careful not to lack self-promotion.

I am also writing an article about this.

(The tongue is the root of all evil)

It would be a problem if you stopped speaking up.

(He who touches pitch shall be defiled)

It is not good to narrow your circle of acquaintances or blame those around you.

The issue is whether the people you associate with are a positive influence on you.

(A windfall from the shelf)

There are no opportunities for those who do not make an effort.

If you are well-prepared, unexpected good fortune will come your way.

(He who chases two rabbits catches none)

In negotiations, it is important to have a second or third arrow in your quiver.

Pursuing various possibilities will expand your opportunities.

You must have clear priorities and avoid being indecisive.

(What one likes, one does well)

While you improve faster at things you like, there are times when you must also do things you do not like.

(Let the future take care of itself)

It is not good to act irresponsibly without doing what needs to be done.

<Summary>

As shown, proverbs can have two sides, so it is necessary to correctly grasp the meaning and intent of each proverb.

By doing so, you can use various proverbs appropriately depending on the situation.

Thank you for reading.
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I look forward to your continued support.

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