Proverb Quotes About Life, Success and Happiness from Around the World
Proverbs and sayings distill a lot of wisdom about life, success and happiness into one or two pithy lines. Proverbs from around the world add a cultural dimension which can offer a unique perpective in helping us cope with loss, process difficult and painful experiences and find meaning in life.If you are looking for some wisdom about ways to improve your life and think more positively about your experiences, good or not so good, then this collection of international proverbs and sayings is likely to be helpful.
Read on for some of the most inspirational proverb quotes from around the world and positive inspirational sayings.
But before diving into the list let's first consider what a proverb actually is.
What is a Proverb Anyway?
A proverb, according to Collins Dictionary, may be defined as: "a short sentence that people often quote, which gives advice or tells you something about life."Proverbs often contain some general truth or piece of advice. These adages, axioms and especially idioms are often memorable because they use imagery to underline some fact, experience or attitude. The meaning of idioms is figurative rather than literal eg You’ve hit the nail on the head.
Some proverbs provide excellent maxims to live by. I have found what I consider as some of the best proverbs and sayings to share with you along with a short paragraph here and there about meaning especially as it relates to day-to-day life.
Below you will find a highly curated list of popular proverbs, quotes and sayings from around the world perfect for sharing on Facebook or as Instagram captions. Some are common proverbs and sayings while others are less common. All, however, contain a wealth of wisdom, knowledge and experience.
Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.
Cherokee Proverb
It is too easy to become overly focused on the hurts and resentments of the past. We can spend a lot of time and energy on what happened yesterday which we have no power to change. This quote reminds us that we need to focus on today so that we can truly be present to our experience rather than distracted by what might have been.
At the end of hardship comes happiness.
Korean Proverb
Often difficult experiences can be the greatest teachers. When we have processed a tough experience and have some distance from it we can then enjoy the benefit of it. This is especially true when we have come to a place of acceptance and can once more enjoy the small things in life that bring us joy.
Those who don’t look forward, stay behind.
Basque Saying
It is important in life to keep an eye on the future but live in the present. When we focus too much on the past it limits us.
What is done is done. [Lo hecho, hecho está]
Spanish Proverb / Spanish Saying
Events that have happened cannot be changed. Our challenge is to accept the reality of things as they are and as far as possible live without regret. Knowledge is a garden. If it isn’t cultivated, you can’t harvest it.
African ProverbTruth is more valuable if it takes you a few years to find it.
French Proverb
Life's truths are not always obvious or so easy to find. If something comes too easily it may mean it is not as valuable as you might think. Generally in life when we put in effort to achieving our goals over an extended period we value the simple truths that come from that because we know what it cost us.
Knowledge without wisdom is like water in the sand.
African Proverb
Knowledge is helpful to us but it also needs thought, analysis and integration to be truly useful. Wisdom is really a sum of what remains when we examine what we know and what we have experienced, reflect on it and learn from it. It can then become a guideline for behavior. Without these steps knowledge in itself and without context is often not particularly helpful.
In times of test, family is best.
Burmese Proverb
The meaning of this powerful proverb: When a person is experiencing tough times, family can be a great comfort. We need all kinds of support from others beyond the need to belong. Family can provide both emotional and practical support and helps us through the hardest times in life. And if your family of origin doesn't provide the support you need, don't forget you can create your own family from your friends network.
If you can’t live longer, live deeper.
Italian Proverb
We cannot predict the future or know how long we may have on this earth which is why it is important to live fully and well. Make every day count.
It is not the richest who has the most, but the one who needs the least. [No es más rico el que más tiene, sino el que menos necesita.]
Spanish Saying
Meaning: Wealth in the form of money does not guarantee happiness. Happiness in life does not come from material things but rather from recognizing the difference between need and want. When we value the simpler things in life like nature, family, friends, our health and act with love we are likely to be happier and wealthier.
Better a drop of wisdom than an ocean of gold.
Greek Proverb
Wisdom is a more precious commodity than gold. When we exercise wisdom in our life choices based on our values we are much more likely to be happy than having a mountain of wealth.
Trouble does not discriminate. It comes to everyone at some point.
African Proverb
Sometimes we can be envious of others as it seems like they have an easy ride but the truth is that we have trials and difficulties at some point in our life. And to be honest where would be the learning and the growth if we didn't.
The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
Chinese Proverb
"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones" is a Chinese proverb that has some similarity to "Rome wasn't built in a day". It reminds us that any solution to a problem starts with a single step or action. Mountains aren't formed right away, they take years in the making.
Rain does not fall on one roof alone.
African Proverb
It is often the case when adversity strikes to think that we are the only ones bad things happen to. The reality could not be further from the truth. It can be helpful to band together and support each other through the hard times. You don't have to always go it alone.
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.
African ProverbFall seven times, stand up eight.
Japanese Proverb
This maybe a simple Japanese saying but it is a powerful one. When things don't go your way don't be discouraged instead pick yourself up and try again. There are so many inventions that we take for granted today that wouldn't necessarily exist if it weren't for the tenacity of the men and women who carried on inspite of not succeeding straight away.
If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together.
African Proverb
To be human means to be interdependent. None of us can go it alone all the time. Each of us needs support at times.
One generation plants the trees, and another gets the shade.
Chinese Proverb
We are not on this earth for long so we need to make our time count. Plant trees literally and figuratively. Spend your time wisely leaving something that the next generation will benefit from and value. Activate yourself today to do something that will provide lasting benefit even if you ultimately will not be the recipient.
However long the night, the dawn will break.
African Proverb
Don't look past the wisdom of this proverb. No matter how awful your current situation and how dark the future may seem there is one thing for sure: the dawn will break and the sun will rise again. And with the new dawn comes the opportunity for some fresh prespective and the chance to work through the problem and find a workable solution.
The tree with most leaves will not necessarily produce juicy fruit.
Brazilian Proverb
Sometimes things or people are not as they seem and it is only with longer acquaintance we find this out. As the old adage goes you can't judge a book by its cover. Just as the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The best course of action is to hope that others will do the right thing and act with integrity but don't expect it or you will be often disappointed.
If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom.
African Proverb
Being proud of yourself and others is natural and commendable but this proverb warns of the risks of taking that too far. There is a point where pride can work against us and even be counterproductive. Don't let pride stand in the way of being open to others perspectives and ways of being. This kind of obstinancy could be detrimental to self and others.
Those who wish to sing always find a song.
Swedish Proverb
This Swedish saying reinforces the idea that life is what we make it. It speaks to being our authentic self and finding your own path inspite of disapproval and censure from others.
A book holds a house of gold.
Chinese Proverb
Books, whether from the past or current, can provide us with a wealth of knowledge. Make sure that your learning is not entirely experiential. You can learn so much about life and its purpose by dipping into good books where others have shared the knowledge of their experience. Go a step further and try to distill that learning by journaling and writing down your discoveries as you make them about life and the world around you.
He who runs after good fortune runs away from peace.
African Proverb
Our real fortunes are not made in chasing money but rather in doing what we enjoy. Peace and being happy with life, in other words contentment, flows from utlising our skills on tasks that both benefit ourselves and others. Be happy in work and peace will come.
Turn your face toward the sun and the shadows will fall behind you. [“Te tiro atu to kanohi ki tairawhiti ana tera whiti te ra kite ataata ka hinga ki muri kia koe.”]
Maori ProverbTo get lost is to learn the way.
African Proverb
No path is straight as an arrow there will always be deviations from the plan. When we take a wrong turn or a difficult path we learn that it is not the correct path for us. This is invaluable experience.
Once you carry your own water, you’ll remember every drop.
African Proverb
There is no substitute for experience. We learn by doing. These experiences stay with us and shape us in meaningful ways.
The best candle is understanding.
Welsh Proverb
This quote is very similar to the James Howell quote: "Man's best candle is his understanding." When we can shine light on the darkness of a problem or the motivations of others through understanding and reason then we are much more able to forgive. Understanding leads to wisdom which helps us interpret the world in ways that are focused on acceptance and forgiveness rather than censure and criticism.
Even from a foe a man may learn wisdom.
Greek Proverb
Sometimes our greatest learning in life is from others who we may not like or respect. Important life lessons come from all corners so it is in your best interests to stay open to the possibility that wisdom may come from the most unlikely sources sometimes. Approach others with an open heart and you will be surprised what lessons about yourself and life can be learned.
It’s not enough to learn how to ride, you must also learn how to fall.
Mexican Proverb
This Mexican proverb highlights the need to accept failure and disappointments as we go through life without becoming overwhelmed and embittered. We cannot expect life not to throw us curved balls from time-to-time but what is important is learning to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off afterwards.
Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.
Japanese Proverb
When we conquer fear there is no end to what we can achieve. Fear is the one thing standing in our way. It does not exist except in our thoughts. We alone can control how deeply it penetrates and stops us from achieving our goals.
Tomorrow belongs to people who prepare for it today.
African ProverbPractice makes perfect.
English Proverb (possibly Scottish in origin)
There is no substitute for effort. To get good at anything we need to practice our craft. It is not only our minds that remember but our our bodies do too. Practice allows for the integration of knowledge from both.
Be not afraid of going slowly. Be afraid of standing still.
Japanese Proverb
This proverb is a little bit similar to "don't let the grass grow under your feet." Even if you are moving forward at a glacial pace you are still moving forward. It is when there is no forward movement at all and things have stagnated that it is time to take stock. When in this situation spend some time working out the next step. There is nothing like taking action to create a climate of change.
Examine what is said, not who is speaking.
African ProverbIf you think you’re too small to make a difference, try spending the night with a mosquito.
African Proverb
This proverb reminds us that our sense of importance and power are relative. We often underestimate the power we have to be a voice of change. Small actions can lead to great things. Don't make the mistake of assuming that change cannot be effected by a few people. History has taught us that that movements have been created by just one person standing up and saying enough.
Even dust if piled up will become a mountain.
Japanese Proverb
Whatever we ignore or fail to resolve or deal with adequately builds up in the background. This proverb encourages the practice of dealing with problems as they arise rather than letting things go unresolved. Remember a mountain is unshiftable while a few specks of dust can easily be swept away and order restored.
One falsehood spoils a thousand truths.
African Proverb
Lies and deceit feel like betrayals. They kill relationships. Always prefer to tell the truth in every situation. The desire to lie often comes from a fear of being found out which is often rooted in shame for some wrong doing or perceived wrong doing or transgression.
Blood is thicker than water.
English Proverb (possibly Scottish in origin)
Family ties of blood and history are powerful.
A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break.
African ProverbTime flies like an arrow.
Japanese Proverb
This Japanese proverb has a lot of similarities to "time and tide wait for no man." Given our time on the planet is short, it is up to each of us to create a life that works for us in the short time available to us.
The sun at home warms better than the sun elsewhere.
Albanian Proverb
This Albanian proverb is akin to the saying that "there is no place like home."
Worry often gives a small thing a great shadow.
Swedish Proverb
It is easy "to make a mountain out of a molehill." In our minds problems are always appear much bigger than they are when we step away and gets some distance. Anxiety and worry rob us of our ability to act. Don't let anxiety magnify a problem that can be solved by taking action.
He who forgives ends the quarrel.
African Proverb
Forgiveness is powerful. Don't let pride or the desire to be right stand in the way of patching up an argument. None of us is perfect. We all need to be forgiven sometimes for our behavior and also forgive others for theirs.
Joy and sorrow sleep in the same bed.
Czech ProverbThe first thing to do is start and the second is to continue.
Chinese Proverb
Procrastination can really hold us back from realizing our goals and dreams. We tell ourselves that we don't begin because we don't know where to start. The truth is it doesn't matter. Just start somewhere.
He who puts up with insults invites injury.
Jewish Proverb
None of us like to be bullied or pushed around. It is a sure-fired recipe for undermining our self-respect. Part of becoming an adult is learning how to stick up for ourselves. If we don't exercise a degree of self-love in holding our own we can easily become a target for others who are looking to project their anger on somebody else.
It's the same life whether we spend it laughing or crying.
Japanese Proverb
This Japanese proverb speaks to the importance of attitude in life. We choose how to approach life and how to respond to our experiences. And we choose how to orient ourselves to the world: either with positivity or with negativity. No one else does that for us. And of course at any time we can choose to reorient ourselves as it takes a lot of energy to be sad and angry at the world.
Character is like pregnancy it cannot be hidden forever.
African Proverb
Eventually you'll be found out when you try to be someone you are not. Be authentic.
Even monkeys fall from trees
Japanese Proverb
Remember all of us make mistakes and nobody is perfect. Even experts get it wrong. Acceptance of this truth can allow you to cut others some slack and yourself too.
A friend's eye is a good mirror.
Gaelic Proverb
Somebody who knows us well like a friend can provide a mirror in which we reveal ourselves because we know it's safe. Having a friend mirror back to us both our weaknesses and our strengths can be an invaluable learning tool.
Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead.
Scottish ProverbSpeech is silver, but silence is golden.
Swiss Proverb
We all know that there are times when the best thing to say in a situation is nothing. Sitting in companionable silence can be much more meaningful than a truck load of platitudes.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
American Proverb
Persistence in life is one of the keys to happiness. Keep going even in the face of adversity and find a way to find the good in any situation you find yourself in. At the very least recognize it as a learning experience.
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| Don't let yesterday use up too much of today. Cherokee Proverb. |
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| Knowledge is a garden. If it isn’t cultivated, you can’t harvest it. African Proverb. |
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| It is not the richest who has the most, but the one who needs the least. Spanish Proverb. |
Expecting to achieve right away and expecting success without effort is setting yourself up for disappointment. If a problem is daunting and overwhelming, which many are, breaking down tasks into small manageable steps will help to accomplish a goal.
Setbacks are part and parcel of the process. With step-by-step persistance your path can be cleared of stones and the mountain will grow ever smaller with each passing day.
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| We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. African Proverb. |
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| The tree with most leaves will not necessarily produce juicy fruit. Brazilian Proverb. |
It also emphasizes persistance: if we continue to try we will find our uniqueness and our voice. Take risks and seek out new experiences in order to discover who you are and what song is right for you.
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| Turn your face toward the sun and the shadows will fall behind you. Maori Proverb. |
When we reframe our problems as opportunities for learning and growth it is easier to carry on in the face of adversity. Persistance pays off in the end but it demands that we always keep the bigger picture in mind in order to endure life's challenges in the moment.
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| It’s not enough to learn how to ride, you must also learn how to fall. Mexican Proverb. |
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| Examine what is said, not who is speaking. African Proverb. |
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| A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break. African Proverb |
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| Joy and sorrow sleep in the same bed. Czech Proverb |
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| Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead. Scottish Proverb |
Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed this list of collected international proverb quotes and sayings please feel free to share these on social media. My intention is to continually add to this list of world proverbs as time goes on so consider bookmarking this page to easily find future updates of some of the most inspirational proverb quotes about life / sayings I can find.Related Articles
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