Proverbs and Sayings - The Most Famous Ones in the East

The East is the cradle of proverbs, sayings, maxims, wisdoms, tales and fables. The books which treat these subjects are among the most abundant in Eastern literature.

We mention here, just for the memory, Spiritual Hellenic Wisdom,  The Pavilion of Wisdom, books from which drew famous writers and philosophers such as “Aljahiz”, Altawhidi”, or “Ibn Arabi”. All these authors showed specific importance of this kind of literature which prevailed in eastern civilization.

This collection is less for showing up the wisdoms of Eastern cultures than to be an invitation to a reflection on the universality of human behavior.

We noticed, however, that some sayings and wisdoms are of the nature to influence individual behavior, by canceling all ideas related to innovation or progress within societies deeply marked by tradition. Our objective, while working to achieve this collection, was not to contribute in determining behavior on  a moral level,  but more, to give the western reader an occasion to think of his own behavior by opening the doorway  to the understanding of “the Eastern soul”.                            

This was our objective in collecting these eastern wisdoms; without ignoring westerns synonymous  proverbs and sayings for comparison purposes.

 If the understanding and mutual respect are the basis of all cooperation between people, let’s hope that this modest collection will bring, in its way, a contribution to this necessary dialogue between cultures at this time of globalization.

* Some exempts  of  sayings and proverbs ( without ignoring westerns synonymous  proverbs and sayings for comparison purposes )

1.      I have solved all the problems, I have avoided all the traps and ambushes, and I have untied all ties except that of death. (Omar Alkhayam)

2.      The woman who chased Adam from paradise by malice has made me happy by her love and her affection. (Jebran Khalil Jebran)

3.      Our words about love kill it, the letters lose their meaning and die once pronounced. Love is not an Eastern tale, at the end of which heroes get married. (Nizar Qabbani).

4.      Do not blame good luck when it refuses to come close to dark faces and if it visits smiling ones. (Ibn Safwan, 8th century, Nuzahatu Alhikma)

5.      He who doesn’t see the kingdom of Heaven here and now, will not see it in the hereafter, even if he is a good believer. (Jebran Khalil Jebran).

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