If you are somebody who is into spirituality and finding inspiration and motivation from various different cultures and belief systems, then you might want to look in to the world of Chinese proverbs. These ancient pieces of wisdom have been passed down over thousands of years, and each of every one of them can be translated and adapted to have some meaning for your own life. I’m not talking about fake new fortune cookies here, I’m taking about the real thing! Here are eight wonderful Chinese proverbs that will help you to live a better life.
1. Different Locks Must Be Opened with Different Keys
This means that you can’t always solve your problems with the same solution. You need to be adaptable and flexible and be able to roll with the punches. Take each new challenge as it comes and don’t assume your old ways will fix it.
2. A Blind Horse Always Frightens Itself
If you are not awake with your eyes open to your own flaws, then you are never going to be able to succeed in the long run. You need to be completely self aware and willing to look deep within yourself to move forward in life. Don’t be ignorant.
3. You Must Enter the Tiger’s Den to Catch His Cubs
In order to get something that you really want, you are going to have to go through some obstacles to get there. Nothing in life comes for free or for easy, so you need to be willing to struggle to come out on the other side. No pain, no gain!
4. Dig the Well before You Are Thirsty
This alludes to the fact that you shouldn’t wait to do something until it is too late. It is much better to anticipate your needs and get out ahead of them, so that your life is much easier when your need actually arrives.
5. The Longer the String, the Higher the Kite Will Fly
This alludes to the fact that long term planning and preparation will always produce better results than instant actions and gratification. Just like a kite with a longer string, the longer you prepare for something, the better it will fare in the end.
6. A Single Conversation with a Wise Man is Worth a Month’s Study of Books
There is only so much you can gain from reading books. To reach a higher level of understanding you need to both learn from people who have real world experience, and then go and seek out some of that experience for yourself.
7. Women Hold up Half the Sky
Never underestimate us! Although women still face lots of inequality in pretty much every area of life, this proverb helps to remind us that when it comes to basic humanity, we are literally just as worthy and responsible as men are.
8. The Best Time to Plant a Tree Was 20 Years Ago; the Second Best Time is Now
If you were hesitant or missed opportunities in the past, then there is no time better to rectify your regrets then right now! What are you waiting for?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the meaning of the proverb 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'?
- It encourages starting any big goal with small, manageable actions to make progress.
- How can the proverb 'When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, others build windmills' inspire me?
- It reminds you to embrace change positively and use challenges as opportunities to grow.
- What life lesson does 'Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness' teach?
- It highlights the power of taking proactive steps instead of just complaining about problems.
- How can I apply 'He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever' in daily life?
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions—it’s the quickest way to learn and improve.
- What does 'Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still' suggest about progress?
- It encourages steady, continuous effort rather than worrying about fast results.
- Why is 'Patience is a virtue' important for personal growth?
- It emphasizes that good outcomes often require time and persistent effort.
- How can 'Better to travel ten thousand miles than read ten thousand books' inspire me?
- It motivates you to gain experience through real-life adventures, not just theory.
- What advice does 'Dig the well before you are thirsty' offer?
- It teaches the value of preparing in advance for future needs or challenges.
- How does 'The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now' encourage action?
- It reminds you that it’s never too late to start something valuable or positive.
- Can these proverbs help in balancing career and personal life?
- Yes, they offer wisdom on patience, adaptability, and taking initiative, which are key for a fulfilling balance.