Proverbs are one of humanity’s great treasures. They translate into essential and rhythmic expressions the treasures that popular wisdom has accumulated over centuries or millennia.
A proverb is a small work of art, a tiny trace left over time, a path that delves deeply into the character and culture of a people.
It captures the natural environment in which a people lives: waterways, forests, savannas, deserts, and the social environment: human groups, villages, caravan routes, paths, livestock, crops…
Proverbs are mirrors that reflect the various facets of individual, family, and social life in all its aspects, positive and negative.
Today we present some Central Asian proverbs. Specifically, the wisdom of the Mongolian, Uzbek, and Kazakh cultures.
Proverbs from Mongolia
“The wound of the sword heals. The wound of the word does not heal.”
“The father’s wine is excellent, the mother’s tea is a tonic.”
“However fat a horse grows, its hide will not break; however happy a man is, his forehead will not crack.”
“If you are afraid, don’t do it; if you do it, don’t be afraid.”
“He who has fallen rises again, leaning on the earth.”
Proverbs from Uzbekistan
“Don’t look for gold, look for blessings/prayers.”
“A guest is dearer than a father.”
“You can’t put a sieve over people’s mouths—that is, you can’t stop them from speaking.”
Proverbs from Kazakhstan
“A good word is half your fortune.”
“A friend tells you the truth while crying, an enemy lies while laughing.”
“A good friend is half your fortune.”
“If you work without laziness, your stomach will be full without begging.”
“Study is the source of knowledge, knowledge is the light of life.”
