7 Wise Chinese Proverbs About Life

Chinese proverbs about life are highly regarded for two reasons. On the one hand, they are a huge source of wisdom, since all affirmations convey profound truths to us. On the other hand, they have a poetic tone that makes them unmistakable and decidedly beautiful.

A large number of Chinese proverbs about life are preserved. The aphorism, or the loose affirmation , has been a traditional way of transmitting truth from one generation to another. Several of the proverbs could easily be thousands of years old.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Chinese proverbs about life is the fact that they are almost always expressed in the form of a metaphor. They are not direct commands or advice, but suggestions or suggestions, which have a wide meaning and diverse application. These are seven of those wondrous pieces of wisdom.

Chinese proverbs about life and time

One of the old Chinese proverbs about life says the following: ” The older generation plants trees and the later ones take shelter in their shade. ” It is a beautiful way to illustrate that thread of connection that exists between the different generations. Nobody in life advances, if it is not by the action and effort of those who precede him. Everything we do, or stop doing, has consequences for those who come behind in time.

Another of the Chinese proverbs about life states: “ The joys do not come in pairs; a misfortune does not come alone ”. Talk about the fact that problems usually come one after another. Meanwhile, strokes of fortune rarely come together or occur simultaneously. Chaos theory poses something analogous.

Small and fragile

This beautiful proverb states: ” The sparrow, despite its smallness, has all the entrails. ” A beautiful metaphor that exalts the small. It means that any being, despite its size, has everything it needs to live and function. Being bigger in size than others does not make anyone more complete.

In the same way, the Chinese do not see strength in the giant or in that which shows signs of toughness. Rather, they give relevance to what is well ingrained and has deep roots. That is why one of the Chinese proverbs about life says: ” With a strong wind you know the resistance of grass. ” Eventually a blade of grass can be stronger than a gigantic tree.

Courage and bravery

Courage is deeply valued in Chinese culture. The history of that country includes episodes of extraordinary feats and resistance. That is why the theme of courage has been a recurring element in all their literary traditions, including proverbs.

In this proverb a decided exaltation of courage is elaborated. He says: “ If you don’t enter the tiger’s den, how can you get hold of its cubs? ”. It means that there are times when you must face the danger directly, to avoid possible dangers in the future. A beautiful teaching.

The path of ruin

Life has its own mechanisms to give the reason to those who really have it and compensate for the damage that some people are sometimes victims of. Time is a great teacher, because through the combination of actions and time, these contradictions are adjusted.

One of the old Chinese proverbs says: ” Whoever commits many injustices seeks his own ruin. ” It is totally true and throughout history we have seen how it applies to reality. Whoever commits an injustice today, sooner or later, ends up being a victim of what he himself created.

The proximity and the distance

Although blood ties are very strong, they are not necessarily above other forms of relationship that sometimes end up having greater relevance. Sometimes the family is not exactly the environment that most supports or values ​​a person, even though on paper it should be.

The Chinese have said: ” A close neighbor is better than a distant relative. ” It means that those who remain close to them acquire greater importance in our lives than those who have only a formal connection with us. In reality, the concept of family goes beyond a simple blood bond.

Chinese proverbs about life are condensed wisdom, poetry, and accompaniment. The popular culture of that country is an inexhaustible vein of teachings. Not for nothing is it one of the ancient cultures that continues to survive with unusual strength in the world.