How wise is proverbial wisdom?
A proverb is a well-known, venerable saying rooted in philosophical or religious wisdom. Just about everybody knows some proverbs, and we often base decisions on these instructive maxims. But when you line up proverbs that spout conflicting advice, you have to wonder if these beloved aphorisms aren’t simply personal observations masquerading as universal truths: • We often proclaim that actions speak louder than words, but at the same time we contend that the pen is mightier than the sword. • How can it be true that you should look before you leap but make hay while the sun shines? • It’s better to be safe than sorry, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. • Haste makes waste, but he who hesitates is lost. • Patience is a virtue, but opportunity knocks but once. • Slow and steady wins the race, but gather ye rosebuds while ye may. • Fools rush in where angels fear to tread, but faint heart never won fair maiden. • Beware of Greeks bearing gifts, but don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
