Proverbs for various occasions
The podcast features a collection of proverbs used in a variety of contexts, including ones that promote self-reliance and warn against indulging in petty concerns. Among them is the saying "your patience on yourself and not your patience on others," which states that it is preferable for a person to endure hardship himself rather than relying on others, as doing so may result in shame. The episode also delves into proverbs describing those who, due to unforeseen circumstances, are forced to sell their goods at extremely low prices, as well as sayings illustrating the plight of people who drift aimlessly through life, comparing them to someone drowning and desperately clinging to a worthless piece of wood in the hope of survival.
Nature of proverbs: Brevity and meaning
Dr Al Naqbi observes that Emirati proverbs range in length, but as the adage goes, "The best speech is that which is concise and to the point." Proverbs like "Plentiful, yet abundant" emphasise brevity, suggesting that excessive availability often leads to its unused and ignored nature. Proverbs also reflect life's difficulties, particularly the misfortune of a person who escapes one trouble just to fall into another, much like someone who climbs out of a well only to stumble into a nearby hole. They also glorify patience and hard work, emphasising that effort and determination are essentials for obtaining happiness and riches.
Symbolic sayings reflect reality
One well-known adage, "He left for him the thread and the needle," refers to someone who entrusts everything to another, giving them complete authority over their business. The program also examines the proverb "A crow that imitates the pigeon's walk, which highlights how those who blindly emulate others, even in their mannerisms, eventually lose their own individuality. Another proverb, "The singer finished singing and all went home," describes how others who come to share in one's sadness eventually leave, leaving the person alone with their grief. Similarly, "The palm tree gone with its fruits" refers to those whose presence offers no value, as if they were a dead palm tree that no longer bears fruit.
Reflections on the past and present
The episode finishes with a saying about people who live in solitude and isolate themselves from society. Another adage, "I admire valuables, but money has the final say," emphasises how financial constraints frequently limit one's capacity to buy desirable items.
Dr Al Naqbi concludes the debate by emphasising that these proverbs situate one at the intersection of the past and present, drawing inspiration from the wisdom and resilience of the ancestors when predicting the future.
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