Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times: What African Proverbs Teach Us About Life

There is an African proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together". It is one of many sayings that can be found from every angle of human history, and it is meant to teach us that strength is unity and working together for a common goal or vision. African proverb: “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.”

The core of our need is to have a strong foundation, and that begins at home. Do you have a shared vision with all who live with you? Do you have shared values and goals?.

Another African proverb is "However far a stream flows, it doesn't forget its origin". The origin is home, and the stream is the children from it. Deep within our minds and our DNA is our origin, and although it can appear that we have forgotten, those who focus on the inner journey regain the memory. It is the inner experience that makes the difference, not the knowing. Humans have been telling the same story of a shared origin since as far back as we can go, and yet those who get it remain limited by those who have gone within themselves to experience it. That is one of the powerful experiences meditation brings forth with enough practice.

Going deep within can take much courage as there has been much darkness throughout history. Yet, to encourage your journey, I offer another African proverb: "Where there is love, there is no darkness." The energy of love lights our way through the darkness that may blind our way to our center. It is love that brings us back to our origin. It is love that unites us from division. Another African proverb to keep in mind says, "Love doesn’t listen to rumors."

Here are a few more African proverbs linked together like a bundle of sticks.

“Nobody is born wise.”“Wisdom does not come overnight.”“If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents.”“To get lost is to learn the way.”“Your body is a temple of knowledge.”“A wise person will always find a way.”“A wise person doesn’t fall down the same hill twice.”“Wisdom is wealth.”