A collection of widely known and accepted Chinese proverbs, quotes and sayings translated into English.
O eggs, never fight with stones! ~Chinese proverb
If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people. ~Chinese proverb
Man fools himself. He prays for a long life and he fears old age. ~Chinese proverb
Learning is treasure no thief can touch. ~Chinese proverb
Just as tall trees are known by their shadows, so are good men known by their enemies. ~Chinese proverb
If there is a strong general, there will be no weak soldiers. ~Chinese proverb
Failing to plan is planning to fail. ~Chinese proverb
Despise learning and make everyone pay for your ignorance. ~Chinese proverb
Cheap things are not good, good things are not cheap. ~Chinese proverb
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. ~Chinese proverb
A gem is not polished without rubbing, nor a man perfected without trials. ~Chinese proverb
A day of sorrow is longer than a month of joy. ~Chinese proverb
Patience is a bitter plant, but it has sweet fruit. ~Chinese proverb
It is the beautiful bird which gets caged. ~Chinese proverb
A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song. ~Chinese proverb
The miracle is not to fly in the air, or to walk on the water, but to walk on the earth. ~Chinese proverb
One dog barks at something, the rest bark at him. ~Chinese proverb
Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up. ~Chinese proverb
Illness comes in by mouth; ills come out by it. ~Chinese proverb
A hundred men may make an encampment, but it takes a woman to make a home. ~Chinese proverb
A rat who gnaws at a cat’s tail invites destruction. ~Chinese proverb ~Chinese proverb
A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study. ~Chinese proverb
He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever. ~Chinese proverb
Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still. ~Chinese proverb
He who strikes the first blow admits he’s lost the argument. ~Chinese proverb
A bit of fragrance clings to the hand that gives flowers. ~Chinese proverb
To know the road ahead, ask those coming back. ~Chinese proverb
Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. ~Chinese proverb
When you drink the water, remember the spring. ~Chinese proverb
If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow. ~Chinese proverb
Don’t open a shop unless you like to smile. ~Chinese proverb
A smile will gain you ten more years of life. ~Chinese proverb
Do good, reap good; do evil, reap evil. ~Chinese proverb
A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. ~Chinese proverb
A book tightly shut is but a block of paper. ~Chinese proverb
A wicked book cannot repent. ~Chinese proverb
A book holds a house of gold. ~Chinese proverb
Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself. ~Chinese proverb
A nation’s treasure is in its scholars. ~Chinese proverb
Looking for fish? Don’t climb a tree. ~Chinese proverb
One cannot manage too many affairs; like pumpkins in water, one pops up while you try to hold down the other. ~Chinese proverb
Do not remove a fly from your friend’s forehead with a hatchet. ~Chinese proverb
Once bitten by a snake, you are even frightened by a rope that resembles a snake. ~Chinese proverb
Man cannot stir one inch without the push of heaven’s finger. ~Chinese proverb
If you are standing upright, don’t worry if your shadow is crooked. ~Chinese proverb
Better go to heaven in rags than to hell in embroidery. ~Chinese proverb
Of a dead leopard we keep the skin, of man his reputation. ~Chinese proverb
Have but few friends though much acquaintance. ~Chinese proverb
A person who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the man doing it. ~Chinese proverb
If you must play, decide on three things at the start: the rules of the game, the stakes, and the quitting time. ~Chinese proverb
He who is drowned is not troubled by the rain. ~Chinese proverb
A fool judges people by the presents they give him. ~Chinese proverb
Each generation will reap what the former generation has sown. ~Chinese proverb
A young doctor makes a full graveyard. ~Chinese proverb
Grass fears the frost, frost fears the sun. ~Chinese proverb
A filthy mouth will not utter decent language. ~Chinese proverb
Deep doubts, deep wisdom; small doubts, little wisdom. ~Chinese proverb
When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other. ~Chinese proverb
If you don’t want anyone to know, don’t do it. ~Chinese proverb
If you want to know your past — look into your present conditions. If you want to know your future — look into your present actions. ~Chinese proverb
What you do not wish upon yourself, extend not to others. ~Chinese proverb
Life is an echo; what you send out comes back. ~Chinese proverb
If you can’t change your fate, change your attitude. ~Chinese proverb
Man has a thousand plans, heaven but one. ~Chinese proverb
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. ~Chinese proverb
Govern yourself and you can govern the world. ~Chinese proverb
Learning is better than house and land. ~Chinese proverb
Hatred corrodes the vessel in which it is stored. ~Chinese proverb
All things at first appear difficult. ~Chinese proverb
He who seeks vengeance must dig two graves: one for his enemy and one for himself. ~Chinese proverb
Four things come not back: the spoken word, the spent arrow, the past life, and the neglected opportunity. ~Chinese proverb
Don’t waste too many stones on one bird. ~Chinese proverb
Nature, time and patience are the three great physicians. ~Chinese proverb
To open a shop is easy, to keep it open is an art. ~Chinese proverb
If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. ~Chinese proverb
Manners maketh man. ~Chinese proverb
O man, you who do not live a hundred years, why fret a thousand minutes? ~Chinese proverb
Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand. ~Chinese proverb
Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses. ~Chinese proverb
Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends whom we choose. ~Chinese proverb
A bad workman blames his tools. ~Chinese proverb
Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched. ~Chinese proverb
If you don’t go into the cave of the tiger, how are you going to get its cub? ~Chinese proverb
Past scholars studied to improve themselves; Today’s scholars study to impress others. ~Chinese proverb
An inch of time is an inch of gold, but you can’t buy that inch of time with an inch of gold. ~Chinese proverb
Seeing it once is better than being told 100 times. ~Chinese proverb
A man’s conversation is the mirror of his thoughts. ~Chinese proverb
Mallet strikes chisel; chisel splits wood. ~Chinese proverb
Dogs have so many friends because they wag their tails, not their tongues. ~Chinese proverb
Pick the flower when it is ready to be picked. ~Chinese proverb
A bad worker quarrels with his tools. ~Chinese proverb
No wisdom like silence. ~Chinese proverb
Easy to know men’s faces, not their hearts. ~Chinese proverb
He who sacrifices his conscience to ambition burns a picture to obtain the ashes. ~Chinese proverb
Be not disturbed at being misunderstood; be disturbed at not understanding. ~Chinese proverb
A good neighbor is a found treasure. ~Chinese proverb
If a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well. ~Chinese proverb
If you always give, you will always have. ~Chinese proverb
A bad word whispered will echo a hundred miles. ~Chinese proverb
Far waters cannot quench near fires. ~Chinese proverb
Learn to handle a writing-brush and you’ll never handle a begging-bowl. ~Chinese proverb
It’s as difficult to be rich without bragging as it is to be poor without complaining. ~Chinese proverb
Rats know the way of rats. ~Chinese proverb
Easy to run downhill, much puffing to run up. ~Chinese proverb
A dog won’t forsake his master because of poverty; a son never deserts his mother because of her homely appearance. ~Chinese proverb
Count not what is lost but what is left. ~Chinese proverb
Habits are cobwebs at first, cables at last. ~Chinese proverb
Deal with the faults of others as gently as with your own. ~Chinese proverb
Flowing water never goes bad; our door hubs never gather termites. ~Chinese proverb
If there is beauty in character, there will be harmony in the home. If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world. ~Chinese proverb
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. ~Chinese proverb
Know thyself to know others, for heart beats like heart. ~Chinese proverb
Just scales and full measure injure no man. ~Chinese proverb
Make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come. ~Chinese proverb
It takes little effort to watch a man carry a load. ~Chinese proverb
No matter how tall the mountain, it cannot block out the sun. ~Chinese proverb
One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade. ~Chinese proverb
If you get up one more time than you fall you will make it through. ~Chinese proverb
One step at a time is good walking. ~Chinese proverb
Pleasures are shallow, sorrows deep. ~Chinese proverb
Love is blind. ~Chinese proverb
Pure gold does not fear the smelter. ~Chinese proverb
A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark. ~Chinese proverb
Analyzing “O eggs, never fight with stones! ~Chinese proverb”
Simple Explanation
Quick Insights
- The proverb “O eggs, never fight with stones!” is a Chinese saying that advises against taking on battles or challenges that are clearly beyond one’s capabilities.
- It uses the metaphor of eggs and stones to illustrate the futility of engaging in a fight where the odds are heavily stacked against you.
- Eggs represent fragility and vulnerability, while stones symbolize strength and resilience.
- The proverb suggests that it is wise to avoid confrontations with much stronger opponents to prevent unnecessary harm or defeat.
- It encourages individuals to assess their strengths and weaknesses realistically before entering into any conflict or competition.
- Understanding this proverb can help in making better decisions and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Thorough Examination
The proverb “O eggs, never fight with stones!” is a vivid and memorable way to convey an important life lesson. At its core, this saying is about understanding one’s limitations and choosing battles wisely. Let’s break down the metaphor to appreciate its full meaning.
Eggs are delicate and easily broken. They represent something fragile, whether it’s a person’s physical strength, emotional resilience, or resources. When an egg comes into contact with a stone, the outcome is predictable: the egg will shatter. This stark contrast highlights the futility of engaging in a fight where the odds are overwhelmingly against you.
Stones, on the other hand, are hard and durable. They symbolize strength, resilience, and power. In a contest between an egg and a stone, the stone will always emerge unscathed, while the egg will be destroyed. This metaphor serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to be realistic about our abilities and the challenges we face.
The proverb is not about discouraging ambition or effort but rather about encouraging wise decision-making. It’s about recognizing when a battle is not worth fighting because the cost of defeat is too high. This could apply to various situations in life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors.
For example, in a workplace setting, this proverb might advise against taking on a project that is clearly beyond your current skills or resources. Instead of risking failure and potential harm to your career, it would be wiser to seek additional training, gather more resources, or collaborate with others who have the necessary expertise.
In personal relationships, the proverb could caution against engaging in arguments or conflicts with someone who has a clear advantage, whether it’s emotional, intellectual, or physical. Instead of escalating a situation that could lead to harm, it might be better to find a different approach or seek mediation.
The proverb also touches on the concept of self-preservation. By avoiding unnecessary battles, we protect ourselves from harm and conserve our energy for more worthwhile pursuits. This is not about being cowardly but about being strategic and thoughtful in our actions.
In a broader sense, the proverb encourages humility and self-awareness. It reminds us that we are not invincible and that there are times when it is better to step back and reassess our situation rather than charging ahead blindly. This kind of introspection can lead to personal growth and better decision-making.
The metaphor of eggs and stones is particularly powerful because it is so visually striking. It creates a mental image that is easy to remember and apply to various situations. This makes the proverb a useful tool for teaching and learning, as it can be understood and recalled quickly.
Moreover, the proverb is universal in its application. It transcends cultural and generational boundaries, offering wisdom that is relevant to people of all backgrounds and ages. Whether you are a student facing a challenging exam or a businessperson considering a risky investment, the advice to “never fight with stones” is equally applicable.
The proverb also has a philosophical dimension. It touches on the idea of accepting what we cannot change and focusing on what we can. By recognizing our limitations, we can channel our efforts into areas where we have a better chance of success and make a more significant impact.
In a competitive world, it’s easy to get caught up in the desire to prove ourselves and take on every challenge that comes our way. However, the proverb reminds us that not every battle is worth fighting. Sometimes, the wiser choice is to step back and wait for a more opportune moment.
Finally, the proverb encourages us to think strategically about our goals and actions. It’s about picking our battles wisely and conserving our resources for the fights that truly matter. This kind of strategic thinking can lead to better outcomes and a more fulfilling life.
Logical Analysis
Quick Insights
- The proverb “O eggs, never fight with stones!” can be analyzed logically to understand its underlying principles and implications.
- It presents a clear cause-and-effect relationship: engaging in a fight with a much stronger opponent (cause) will likely result in defeat and harm (effect).
- The metaphor of eggs and stones is a logical comparison that illustrates the disparity in strength and resilience between two entities.
- Logically, avoiding such unequal battles is a rational strategy for self-preservation and resource conservation.
- The proverb implies that assessing one’s capabilities and the opponent’s strengths is a crucial step before engaging in any conflict.
- It also suggests that there are alternative strategies, such as negotiation or alliance-building, that can be more effective than direct confrontation.
Thorough Examination
The proverb “O eggs, never fight with stones!” invites a logical analysis of its message and implications. Let’s delve into the logical structure of this saying and explore its underlying principles.
At its core, the proverb presents a cause-and-effect relationship. The cause is engaging in a fight with a much stronger opponent, symbolized by the stone. The effect is the inevitable defeat and harm that the weaker party, symbolized by the egg, will suffer. This logical progression is clear and straightforward, making the proverb easy to understand and apply.
The metaphor of eggs and stones is a logical comparison that highlights the disparity in strength and resilience between two entities. Eggs are fragile and easily broken, while stones are hard and durable. This stark contrast serves as a vivid illustration of the futility of engaging in a battle where the odds are heavily stacked against you.
Logically, avoiding such unequal battles is a rational strategy for self-preservation and resource conservation. By recognizing when a fight is not worth pursuing, we can protect ourselves from harm and conserve our energy for more worthwhile endeavors. This is not about being cowardly but about being strategic and thoughtful in our actions.
The proverb implies that assessing one’s capabilities and the opponent’s strengths is a crucial step before engaging in any conflict. This logical analysis involves evaluating our own skills, resources, and limitations, as well as those of our opponent. By doing so, we can make more informed decisions about whether to engage in a battle or seek alternative strategies.
One such alternative strategy is negotiation. Instead of engaging in a direct confrontation, we can explore diplomatic solutions that allow both parties to achieve their goals without resorting to conflict. This approach requires communication, compromise, and a willingness to find common ground.
Another alternative strategy is alliance-building. By forming alliances with others who share our goals or have complementary strengths, we can increase our chances of success in a conflict. This approach involves collaboration, cooperation, and the pooling of resources to achieve a common objective.
The proverb also touches on the logical principle of opportunity cost. Every action we take has an opportunity cost, which is the value of the next best alternative that we give up by choosing that action. Engaging in a battle with a much stronger opponent has a high opportunity cost, as it diverts our resources and energy away from more productive pursuits.
Moreover, the proverb encourages us to think critically about our goals and the best ways to achieve them. It’s about picking our battles wisely and focusing our efforts on the fights that truly matter. This kind of critical thinking can lead to better decision-making and more effective strategies for achieving our objectives.
The proverb also has a logical dimension in its application to risk management. In any endeavor, there are risks involved, and the proverb advises us to assess these risks carefully. By avoiding battles where the risks are too high, we can protect ourselves from potential harm and increase our chances of success.
In a competitive world, it’s easy to get caught up in the desire to prove ourselves and take on every challenge that comes our way. However, the proverb reminds us that not every battle is worth fighting. Sometimes, the wiser choice is to step back and wait for a more opportune moment.
The proverb also encourages us to think strategically about our actions and their consequences. It’s about weighing the potential benefits and costs of a battle and making a rational decision based on this analysis. This kind of strategic thinking can lead to better outcomes and a more fulfilling life.
Finally, the proverb invites us to consider the long-term implications of our actions. Engaging in a battle with a much stronger opponent may result in immediate defeat and harm, but it can also have long-term consequences for our well-being and success. By avoiding such battles, we can protect ourselves from these long-term risks and focus on more productive pursuits.
Practical Applications
Quick Insights
- The proverb “O eggs, never fight with stones!” offers practical applications in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors.
- In personal relationships, it advises against engaging in arguments or conflicts with someone who has a clear advantage.
- In professional settings, it cautions against taking on projects or challenges that are clearly beyond one’s current skills or resources.
- The proverb encourages seeking alternative strategies, such as negotiation or collaboration, to resolve conflicts or achieve goals.
- It also emphasizes the importance of self-assessment and recognizing one’s limitations before engaging in any battle.
- Understanding and applying this proverb can lead to better decision-making, risk management, and strategic thinking in various situations.
Thorough Examination
The proverb “O eggs, never fight with stones!” offers practical applications in various aspects of life. Let’s explore how this saying can be applied to different situations and how it can guide our actions and decisions.
In personal relationships, the proverb advises against engaging in arguments or conflicts with someone who has a clear advantage. This could be an emotional, intellectual, or physical advantage. Instead of escalating a situation that could lead to harm, it might be better to find a different approach or seek mediation.
For example, if you find yourself in a heated argument with someone who is more articulate or emotionally resilient, it might be wiser to step back and reassess your approach. Instead of trying to out-argue them, you could focus on active listening, empathy, and finding common ground. This strategy can help de-escalate the conflict and lead to a more productive resolution.
In professional settings, the proverb cautions against taking on projects or challenges that are clearly beyond one’s current skills or resources. Instead of risking failure and potential harm to your career, it would be wiser to seek additional training, gather more resources, or collaborate with others who have the necessary expertise.
For instance, if you are offered a project that requires advanced technical skills that you do not possess, it might be better to decline the offer or request additional support. This approach can help you avoid unnecessary stress and potential failure, while also allowing you to focus on areas where you can make a more significant impact.
The proverb also encourages seeking alternative strategies, such as negotiation or collaboration, to resolve conflicts or achieve goals. Instead of engaging in a direct confrontation, you can explore diplomatic solutions that allow both parties to achieve their objectives without resorting to conflict.
In a workplace setting, this could involve negotiating with colleagues or superiors to find a mutually beneficial solution to a problem. It could also involve collaborating with team members to pool resources and expertise, increasing the chances of success in a project or initiative.
The proverb emphasizes the importance of self-assessment and recognizing one’s limitations before engaging in any battle. This involves evaluating your own skills, resources, and limitations, as well as those of your opponent. By doing so, you can make more informed decisions about whether to engage in a battle or seek alternative strategies.
For example, if you are considering a new business venture, it would be wise to conduct a thorough self-assessment of your skills, resources, and market conditions. This analysis can help you identify potential risks and challenges, allowing you to make a more informed decision about whether to proceed with the venture.
The proverb also has practical applications in risk management. In any endeavor, there are risks involved, and the proverb advises us to assess these risks carefully. By avoiding battles where the risks are too high, we can protect ourselves from potential harm and increase our chances of success.
In a financial context, this could involve avoiding high-risk investments that have a low probability of success. Instead, you could focus on more stable and secure investments that offer a better return on investment. This approach can help you manage your financial risks more effectively and achieve your financial goals.
The proverb encourages us to think strategically about our goals and actions. It’s about picking our battles wisely and focusing our efforts on the fights that truly matter. This kind of strategic thinking can lead to better decision-making and more effective strategies for achieving our objectives.
For instance, if you are pursuing a career goal, it would be wise to identify the most critical battles that will help you achieve that goal. This could involve focusing on key projects, building strategic alliances, or developing specific skills. By prioritizing these battles, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your career goals more effectively.
The proverb also invites us to consider the long-term implications of our actions. Engaging in a battle with a much stronger opponent may result in immediate defeat and harm, but it can also have long-term consequences for our well-being and success. By avoiding such battles, we can protect ourselves from these long-term risks and focus on more productive pursuits.
In a personal development context, this could involve avoiding activities or behaviors that have a high risk of long-term harm, such as excessive stress, burnout, or unhealthy habits. Instead, you could focus on activities that promote long-term well-being and success, such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management.
Finally, the proverb encourages us to think critically about our actions and their consequences. It’s about weighing the potential benefits and costs of a battle and making a rational decision based on this analysis. This kind of critical thinking can lead to better outcomes and a more fulfilling life.
In a leadership context, this could involve evaluating the potential benefits and costs of a decision before making it. This analysis can help you identify potential risks and challenges, allowing you to make a more informed decision that aligns with your goals and values. This approach can help you lead more effectively and achieve better outcomes for yourself and your team.
In conclusion, the proverb “O eggs, never fight with stones!” offers practical applications in various aspects of life. By understanding and applying this saying, we can make better decisions, manage risks more effectively, and think strategically about our goals and actions. This can lead to better outcomes and a more fulfilling life, both personally and professionally.