Tag Archives: Chinese Proverb

Teachers open the door but you must walk through it yourself.

Posted on 11 April 2016 by philosiblog

Teachers open the door but you must walk through it yourself. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? The world is a big place. There are many things to do, and many places to visit. But what if you don’t … Continue reading →

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A fall into a ditch makes you wiser.

Posted on 29 February 2016 by philosiblog

A fall into a ditch makes you wiser. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? At first you don’t know what a ditch is. Then you fall in. Now you know. You are now wiser, and know to avoid falling … Continue reading →

Posted in accomplishment, failure, learning, perseverance, success, wisdom | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.

Posted on 1 September 2015 by philosiblog

He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? This, like most ancient proverbs, was difficult to source, but quite … Continue reading →

Posted in foolish, intelligence, learning, potential, question, self improvement | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still.

Posted on 12 March 2014 by philosiblog

Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? This is similar to a quote attributed to Confucius, where perseverance is stressed. That quote is about remembering that you need … Continue reading →

Posted in doing, fear, improve, motivation, procrastination, struggle | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Giving your son a skill is better than giving him one thousand pieces of gold.

Posted on 10 February 2014 by philosiblog

Giving your son a skill is better than giving him one thousand pieces of gold. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? This is a quote about preparation. Whether it is a son or daughter, a niece or nephew, or … Continue reading →

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He who deliberates fully before taking a step will spend his entire life on one leg.

Posted on 16 March 2012 by philosiblog

He who deliberates fully before taking a step will spend his entire life on one leg. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? The quote opens by considering someone who spends the time to fully deliberate all possible outcomes and … Continue reading →

Posted in action, contemplation, focus, goals, observation, thinking | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Don’t open a shop unless you like to smile.

Posted on 11 May 2011 by philosiblog

Don’t open a shop unless you like to smile. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? To me, this old saying is all about having the proper attitude for a situation.  If you’re going to open a shop, you had … Continue reading →

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With virtue you can’t be entirely poor; without virtue you can’t really be rich.

Posted on 28 April 2011 by philosiblog

With virtue you can’t be entirely poor; without virtue you can’t really be rich. –  Chinese Proverb What does that mean? Let’s start with a definition of virtue.  Virtue is defined by dictionary. reference. com as “moral excellence; goodness; righteousness.”  … Continue reading →

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The greatest conqueror is he who overcomes the enemy without a blow.

Posted on 20 April 2011 by philosiblog

The greatest conqueror is he who overcomes the enemy without a blow. – Chinese Proverb Also: The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. – Sun Tzu And: To fight and conquer in all our battles is … Continue reading →

Posted in communication, empathy, kindness, leadership, pride, setting an example | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

There are plenty of acquaintances in the world; but very few real friends.

Posted on 12 April 2011 by philosiblog

There are plenty of acquaintances in the world; but very few real friends. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? This saying goes back to the definition of “friend” vs that of “acquaintances.”  And, despite the existence of a textbook … Continue reading →

Posted in cooperation, empathy, friendship, humor, laughter, loyalty | Tagged , | Comments Off on There are plenty of acquaintances in the world; but very few real friends.