African Proverbs

Grassroots is a fair trade store in Anchorage. I bought a friend a desk calendar that has African proverbs in it. Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order. Enjoy!

"Every door has its own key." (Swahili)

"The horizon will not disappear as you run towards it." (unknown)

"The heart is a market place." (unknown)

"A butterfly that flies among thorns will tear its wings." (Liberia)

"Never was good work done without much trouble." (Sudan)

"A good wind is no use to a sailor who doesn't know his direction." (Zambia)

"When one mountain is climbed, another one is seen." (Ethiopia)

"If while climbing a tree you insist on going beyond the top, the earth will be waiting for you." (unknown)

"The bird which flaps its wings too much will drop its feathers." (Kenya)

"Where there are two people there is double wisdom." (Zambia)

"A single ear of corn can produce a whole shed full of corn." (Ghana)

"The fuel of the lamp is consumed, yet it provides light for others." (unknown)

"Never compete with the elephant in defecating." (Kenya)

"There is not a tree which has not been swayed by a breeze." (N. Africa)

"A feather is a delicate thing when removed from a bird yet it carries the bird anywhere in the world." (Sudan)

"When the drumbeat changes, the dancers must adapt." (Burkina Faso)

"The heart that truly loves has no room for grudges." (Ghana)

"If you dream of moving mountains tomorrow, you must start by lifting small stones today." (Muritania)


Ten Thousand Villages {Compiled by Annetta Miller 2005. Paulines Publications Africa, Nairobi}