African proverbs are often short, but require moments, days, months and even years of contemplation to fully comprehend the wisdom.
In the face of Aristotle and Socrates, we often forget that although our European counterparts have much to offer, African proverbs offer a practical wisdom. It also manages to always maintain a delicate balance between poetry, truth, ideas and life lessons.
Always remember that the beauty of proverbs lie in the universality of their meaning.
Everyone can relate to them in some way.
I’ve created a list of African proverbs for you, so that you may draw inspiration from them and incorporate their wisdom within your daily life:
1. GAMBIA
INSPIRATION:
Working alone has some advantages; To do things your way and not the way people tell you to.
Tasks appear to be done quicker, since there is no external pressure and you know what your goals are.
But when you want to go far, you need someone to centre you and support you.
You require someone who can tell you when you are on the wrong track, to lift you up when you fall and to encourage you when you are in a bad space.
And that is what bridges the gap between impossible and limitless.
2. ETHIOPIA
INSPIRATION:
There are some things in life that we just can not control, but that does not mean we need to stop living.
3. WEST AFRICA
INSPIRATION:
Every obstacle that you ever came across in your life at first appeared to be a mountain- unconquerable. However, you persevered and you understood your strength along the way, when you initially doubted yourself.
Remember that an anthill seems like a mountain to an ant. In essence your solution is dependent on your perception of the problem.
4. SOUTH AFRICA
INSPIRATION:
Never be ungrateful. Acknowledge those that have helped you and aid those who require your assistance. Don’t act with spite or be neglectful, there may come a day when you require the very resource you wasted.
5. NIGERIA
INSPIRATION:
When your foundation is not set properly, the rest will also collapse.
Be aware of neglect and deal with it immediately. A hairline crack may appear harmless, until the entire window shatters.
6. Unknown, however proverb is documented to have originated from Africa
INSPIRATION: Educate yourself to be empowered otherwise you will always remain the follower, not the leader.
Also until the oppressed or hunted learns to articulate their story, the narrative of the oppressor or hunter will remain dominant.
7. GUINEA
INSPIRATION: Use the knowledge you acquire and implement it to attain a higher and deeper understanding of all that is around you.
Knowledge is fluid, and wisdom is crystalised.