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Brighid McCarthy
Karibuni kwenye Maktaba ya Elimu Yetu! Naitwa Brighid. Ujisikie huru kuwasiliana nami kama una maswali yoyote kuhusiana na tovuti hii. Pia ningependa kusikia maoni yako na ushauri. Nakutakia masomo ya thamani, mpendwa msomaji. Welcome to the Elimu Yetu Library! My name is Brighid. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this website. Also I would love to hear your opinions and advice. I wish you valuable lessons, dear reader!
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Pride goes before a fall

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Proverb

Image from the painting by Caspar David Friedrich, 1817, "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog / Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer"

Today's proverb means that people who are excessively proud are likely to fail. Success can make us overconfident, causing mistakes. Pride and ego can also blind us to our limitations and prevent us from seeing reality clearly.

On the other hand, in the modern world, many people see confidence and self-esteem as positive virtues. What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy pride? Share your thoughts below!

This proverb is often associated with the story of Icarus, from Greek mythology. (Spoiler alert for those who haven't check out our new picture book, "Don't Fly Too Close to the Sun"). Icarus was given wings made of feathers and wax by his father, Daedalus. He was warned not to fly too close to the sun, but Icarus ignored his father’s advice, proudly flying higher and higher. The sun melted the wax, and Icarus fell into the sea and drowned.

Just before the Titanic's maiden voyage the company's leader, Phillip Franklin, wrote:
There is no danger that Titanic will sink. The boat is unsinkable...
Because of the company's excessive confidence, the Titanic did not carry enough lifeboats for all the passengers. The Titanic sank in 1912, killing over 1500 people.

In literature, many tragic heroes are brought down by pride. For example, in Shakespeare's King Lear, the king's pride makes him vulnerable to flattery, and his poor judgement costs him everything he has. Julius Caesar's pride made him insist on going to the Senate on the Ides of March, ignoring many warnings that he would be murdered. Similarly, Oedipus is too proud to listen when others warn him not to seek to know the truth about his parents.

Today's proverb comes from the book of Proverbs in the Bible. 
Pride goeth before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18, King James Version (1611)

The Quran also contains numerous warnings against pride, like:
ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا 
God does not like arrogant, boastful people
Surah An-Nisa - 36

Here are a few other proverbs that relate to the same principle:
French:
Qui fait le malin tombe dans le ravin
He who gets cute falls into the ravine
Russian:
Сатана гордился, с неба свалился; фараон гордился, в море утопился; а мы гордимся - куда годимся?
Satan was proud and fell from heaven; the pharaoh was proud and sank in the sea; and when we are proud, what are we worth?
English:
The bigger they come, the harder they fall.
...
Sources
Quran (Surat An-Nisa 36)
English and Russian proverbs (Wiktionary)
French Proverb (Wiktionary)
Titanic: (BBC)

Related Books on Maktaba.org:
Don't Fly Too Close to the Sun
King Lear by William Shakespeare
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Oedipus by Sophocles
Holy Bible, King James Version

Usihesabu kuku wako kabla hawajaanguliwa

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Picha hii ilichorwa kwa kutumia Akili Bandia (AI). Mnafikiriaje? Toeni maoni!

Methali hii ina maanisha hupaswi kutegemea matokeo mazuri kabla hayajatokea. Hupaswi kutegemea mayai yako yote yatakuwa vifaranga wenye afya nzuri. Je, una hadithi kuhusu methali hii? Toeni maoni!

Rekodi ya kwanza iliyoandikwa ya methali hii ya Kiingereza ni shairi iliyoandikwa mwaka wa 1570 na Thomas Howell:
Usiwahesabu kuku wako ambao hawajaanguliwa,
Pima maneno kama upepo, hadi upate uhakika

Lugha nyingi zina methali zinazofundisha kanuni karibu na hii. Mifano:

Kiswahili:
Tujivune hatimaye.

Kifaransa:
Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué.
Usiuze ngozi ya dubu kabla ya kumuua.

Kiarabu: 
لا تشتري السمك وهو في البحر بل انتظر حتى يصطاد
Usinunue samaki yumo baharini; subiri hadi itakapokamatwa.

Kijerumani:
Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben.
Usisifu siku moja kabla ya jioni.

Kilatini:
Ante victoram ne canas triumphum
Usiimbe shangwe kabla ya ushindi.

Kireno:
Não conte com o ovo dentro da galinha.
Usihesabu yai ndani ya kuku.
...
Sources
 Wiktionary (Kamusi iliyo huru)

Don't fly too close to the sun

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Proverb Picturebook

Today's proverb comes from the Ancient Greek myth of Icarus... and we wrote a short picture book about the story!

Download now:

Don't Fly Too Close to the Sun


"Don't fly too close to the sun" is a warning against hubris (excessive pride). The proverb teaches us that pride and ambition should be balanced with caution, humility and good advice.

For example, imagine a young entrepreneur. She launches her first product and has immediate success. Encouraged, she starts making more and more ambitious plans. She decides to take out a large loan from the bank in order to launch more products and buy property. But the sales growth she was expecting does not materialize, and she finds herself falling behind on the loan payments. In the end, the business sinks deeper and deeper into debt and can't recover. If she had steered a "middle path," building on her success with small, moderate steps, and listening to her mentors, things might have ended differently.

We can apply this proverb in our daily lives by knowing our limits, practicing moderation, seeking out wise advice, and listening the warnings from others.

Have you ever flown too close the the sun? Share your story. And please tell us what you think of the book, Don't Fly Too Close to the Sun!
...
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Usitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo

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na Gaston Ch.
Methali hii inatokana na mila na desturi za Kiafrika ambapo wakunga wana jukumu kubwa katika mchakato wa kujifungua. Wakunga wanajulikana kwa uwezo wao wa kusaidia wanawake wajawazito wakati wa uzazi na mama na mtoto wanapohitaji msaada wa kiafya na kihisia. Chimbuko lake linaweza kupatikana katika tamaduni mbalimbali za Kiafrika.

Methali hii hutumika kuelezea umuhimu wa kuwa na heshima na kutokuwatukana watu wanaoleta mabadiliko au wanaoshikilia nafasi muhimu katika jamii. Wakunga ni mfano mzuri wa watu hawa. Wanawake wajawazito wana shida na mahitaji ya pekee, na wanahitaji wakunga wanaowaheshimu na kuwathamini. Methali hii inatumika kuonyesha kuwa ni muhimu kuheshimu na kuthamini kazi na jukumu la mtu yeyote katika jamii.

Aliyekuwa kijiji cha Mbinguni kulikuwa na mama mjamzito aitwaye Amina. Wakati wa kujifungua, alijikuta akijitenga na kukataa msaada wa wakunga katika kijiji chao. Aliwaona wakunga kama watu wasio na thamani na alikuwa akipenda kufanya mambo pekee yake. Siku ya kujifungua ilifika na Amina akapatwa na matatizo wakati wa uzazi. Aliumia sana na hakuwa na mtu wa kumsaidia. Baada ya masaa mengi ya mateso, mtoto wake aliokolewa tu na kijana aliyekuwa mwathirika wa kutukana wakunga. Amina aligundua kuwa angekuwa amepata msaada mkubwa na uzazi ungelikuwa rahisi iwapo angewathamini na kuwashukuru wakunga wenye ujuzi katika kijiji chake. Tangu siku hiyo, Amina alieneza ujumbe projeni na akawa balozi wa kuheshimu wakunga katika kijiji chake na maeneo mengine.

Nilipata uzoefu mkubwa wa methali hii wakati wa ujauzito wangu wa kwanza. Nilihisi kujiamini na niliamua kuwa nina uwezo wa kujifungua bila msaada wa wakunga. Nilidhani nilikuwa na maarifa ya kutosha kutokana na kusoma na kutazama video za kujifungua. Hata hivyo, wakati wa kujifungua, nilikumbana na shida na maumivu makali. Nilikuwa nimedharau umuhimu wa wakunga na hivyo nilijikuta nikiteseka peke yangu. Baada ya masaa mengi ya mateso, niliweza kujifungua salama tu baada ya msaada wa wakunga waliofika dakika za mwisho. Uzoefu huu ulinifundisha umuhimu wa kuheshimu na kuthamini msaada wa wakunga wakati wa uzazi.

Ili kutekeleza methali hii katika maisha yetu ya kila siku, tunapaswa kuheshimu na kuthamini wengine, hasa wale walio na majukumu muhimu katika jamii. Tunapaswa kuwa na ufahamu wa mchango wao na kuheshimu ujuzi wao. Katika maisha yetu ya kila siku, tunapaswa kuwa na tahadhari katika kutoa maoni yasiyo ya heshima na kuepuka kuwatukana wale wanaoleta mabadiliko au wanaoshikilia jukumu muhimu.

Katika jamii za Kiafrika, wakunga wana jukumu muhimu katika mchakato wa kujifungua. Hawa ni wataalamu ambao hujitolea kumsaidia mwanamke mjamzito wakati wa kujifungua. Wanao maarifa ya kina juu ya uzazi na wanaweza kutoa ushauri na msaada wa kimwili na kihisia wakati wa uzazi. Ni muhimu kuheshimu na kuthamini ujuzi wa wakunga katika jamii zetu.

Methali zinazohusiana: "Usimcheke ng'ombe kabla ya shingo kuvunjika" (Kiswahili): Ina maana kwamba haipaswi kumdharau mtu au kusherehekea mapema kabla ya kutimiza malengo yao.

- "Man proposes, God disposes" (Kiingereza): Ina maana kwamba mipango ya binadamu inaweza kubadilishwa na nguvu za juu au hali zisizotarajiwa.

Methali zinazopingana: "Afande ni mtaji wa mwizi" (Kiswahili): Ina maana kwamba mtu anayefanya kazi na mwizi anapata faida kutokana na vitendo vya uhalifu.

- "Usijifanye mjuzi, kizuri cha mwenzio sikikiri" (Kiswahili): Ina maana kwamba haipaswi kujidai kujua kila kitu na kukataa kujifunza kutoka kwa wengine.

Majadiliano: Je, umewahi kupata uzoefu wa kuwadharau au kuwatukana watu ambao walikuwa na jukumu muhimu katika maisha yako? Je, ulitambua umuhimu wao baadaye? Ni nini kilichokufanya ubadilishe mtazamo wako kuelekea wao?

...
5

Usiruke karibu sana na jua

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Methali ya leo inatoka katika hadithi ya Ugiriki ya Kale ya Ikarus ... na tuliwaandikia kitabu kifupi cha picha kuhusu hadithi ya Ikarus...

Soma sasa: 

Usiruke Karibu Sana na Jua


"Usiruke karibu sana na jua" ni onyo dhidi ya kiburi. Methali hii inatufundisha kwamba kiburi na tamaa vinaweza kuleta madhara mabaya ukipuuza  tahadhari, unyenyekevu na ushauri mzuri.

Kwa mfano, fikiria mjasiriamali mdogo. Anazindua bidhaa yake ya kwanza na anapata mafanikio ya haraka. Akiwa ametiwa moyo, anaanza kuweka mipango kabambe zaidi na zaidi. Anaamua kuomba mkopo mkubwa wa benki ili kuzindua bidhaa zaidi na kununua vifaa, mali na ardhi. Lakini ukuaji wa mauzo aliokuwa akitarajia haujitokezi, na anajikuta akichelewa na malipo ya mkopo. Hatimaye, biashara inazidi kuzama kwenye deni. Angeenda "njia ya kati," yaani kujenga mafanikio yake kwa hatua nyingi ndogo, na kusikiliza maonyo ya washauri wake, mambo yangeenda vizuri zaidi.

Tunaweza kutumia methali hii katika maisha yetu ya kila siku kwa kuelewa mipaka yetu, kwenda taratibu, kutafuta washauri na mamenta wenye hekima, na kuyasikiliza maonyo kutoka kwa wengine.

Je umewahi kuruka karibu sana na jua? Ilikuwaje? Pia, tafadhali tunaomba maoni yenu kuhusu kitabu cha Usiruke Karibu Sana na Jua!
...
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Ushindi una baba wengi ila kushindwa ni yatima

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Nyakati za mafanikio, watu wanapenda kuhusishwa na kudai pongezi, hata kama mchango wao ulikuwa mdogo. Lakini mambo yanapoharibika, watu wanakimbia na hulaumiana. Hii ndo maana ya methali "Ushindi una baba wengi, kushindwa ni yatima." (Success has many fathers, failure is an orphan.)

Kwa mfano, fikiria kama umepokea pesa za wawekezaji ili kuanzisha biashara. Biashara ikifanikiwa, wawekezaji wataiona kama mafanikio yao, wataiita "biashara yetu", na itakuwa rahisi sana kutafuta wawekezaji wengi zaidi. Lakini ikiwa biashara imefeli, wawekezaji wako wataiita "biashara yako" na kuomba urudishe pesa zao.

Mara nyingi unaweza kutambua kiongozi halisi wa biashara, shirika au kikundi kwa kuona ni nani anayewajibika nyakati za changamoto na matatizo. Kiongozi bora ni yule ambaye anashiriki sifa na pongezi na wenzake nyakati za kufanikiwa, na anakubali kuwajibika na kulaumiwa nyakati za kushindwa.

Methali hii ilitumika na Rais wa Marekani, John F. Kennedy, mwaka wa 1961, akiongea na waandishi wa habari baada ya mgogoro wa "Bay of Pigs". Lakini inaonekana kwamba chanzo halisi cha methali hii ni cha kale zaidi... inatoka Mwanahistoria wa Roma ya Kale aliyeitwa Tasitus, katika biografia ya jenerali Agrikola kilichoandikwa miaka 98 baada ya kuzaliwa Kristo, akieleza changamoto ambazo jeshi la Roma lilikabiliana nazo katika ukoloni wa Uingereza. 
[Katika vita] sifa ya mafanikio hudaiwa na wote, wakati maafa yanahusishwa na mtu mmoja peke yake.
- Tacitus, Agricola

Je umewahi kuona mfano wa methali hii katika maisha yako? Tunaomba mawazo yako!
...
Sources
Dr. Makirita Amani - Kisima cha Maarifa
Roma ya Kale

Kiingereza:
John F. Kennedy - Transcript of Press Conference, April 21, 1961
JFK never claimed to be the originator of this proverb and preceded it with "There's an old saying..."
He did popularize the phrase, as you can see from this Ngram chart from Google books, which shows the explosion in usage of the phrase after 1961.

Tacitus

Daily Stoic (from email archives):
It is precisely when things are good that we should be considering the possibility that someday they might not be so good. We should be acquiring allies. We should be doing favors and good for other people—because someday, we’ll need them to do the same for us. 

Portions of the image were made using AI, CC BY

On the day of the monkey’s death, all the trees are slippery

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This Swahili proverb means that a person cannot avoid their destiny or fate. 
Siku ya kufa nyani miti yote huteleza
On the day of the monkey’s death, all the trees are slippery

Usage


In Swahili, this proverb is often used in times of war, or to refer to a powerful leader whose time has come to fall, like  Macbeth. See also: What goes around comes around. 

Application


Even if you spend a lot of time worrying or trying to avoid problems, they may still happen. Sometimes trying to avoid a problem can even cause it to happen or make it worse (like Oedipus). The monkey might choose a different branch to avoid slipping, but that branch might be just as slippery.

In Greek mythology, the fates were personified as three sisters: Clotho who weaves the thread (birth), Lachesis who draws out the thread (giving each person their alloted blessings and challenges in 
life), and Atropos who cuts the thread (death). 

This proverb encourages us to accept our limits and acknowledge that many important aspects of our life are outside of our control. 

Related sayings:


Swahili:
Ulichojaliwa hakipunguziki wala hawawezi kukuongezea
What has been destined for you cannot be reduced, nor can they increase it for you

Siku za mwizi ni arobaini
The days of a thief are forty (numbered)

Latin (Stoic)
Amor fati
Love [your] fate

Chinese (from Analects)
生死有命，富貴在天
Life and death are fated, riches and honour [come from] heaven. 
...
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Mikono mingi kazi haba

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Kazi kubwa ni rahisi kubeba kama watu wengi wanashirikana.

Methali hii inatofautiana na methali nyingine ya Kiingereza inayosema "Wapishi wengi huharibu mchuzi." Kama Baba yangu alivyosema, "Msemo ni 'mikono mingi kazi haba'... si 'mikono mingi kazi bora!'"

Ingawa chimbuko cha methali hiyo haijulikani kwa hakika, inaonekana katika mkusanyo wa Methali za Kiingereza za John Heywood (kitabu kilichapishwa Uingereza mwaka wa 1546). Ananukisha shairi "Jinsi Mke Mwema Alivyomfundisha Binti Yake" (karne la 14), shairi linalonikumbusha kuhusu Utendi wa Mwana Kupona.

Methali zinazofanana: 

Kichina: 
人多好辦事
Watu wengi, kazi nzuri

Kirusi:
берись дружно, не будет грузно 
Ishike pamoja, haitakuwa nzito
...
Sources

Kama hujui kufunga kamba, funga vingi

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Hapo zamani za kale kulikuwa na kijana aliyetafuta kipaji chake. Siku moja, alishauriwa na babu yake “Kila mtu ana kipaji, utafute chako.” Kwa hivyo, alianza safari ya kukitafuta.

Barabarani aliwakuta vijana wenzake wakicheza mpira wa miguu. Walimkaribisha na akaanza kucheza nao. “Labda hiki ndicho kipaji changu!” alijisemea moyoni.  Hata hivyo, mpira ulipomkaribia, aliogopa. "Sijui kupiga mpira!" akaasema. Wengine wakamkimbiza wakimchekea.

Mtaani, alikutana na mmachinga. “Labda hiki ndicho kipaji changu.” alifikiria. Mmachinga alimkubali, akamwagiza “Msalimie huyu mteja.” Lakini mteja alipomkaribia, kijana aliogopa, “Sijui jinsi ya kumsalimia mteja!” alisema kijana. Mmachinga alikasirika, na kijana akafukuzwa tena.

Akiendelea kutemebea alifikiria “Najuta kutoka leo, sina kipaji chochote.” Alipofika ufukweni, alikutana na mvuvi. Mvuvi alimkaribisha na akaingia mashuani. Mvuvi akampa kamba na kusema “Funga hii.” “Sijui kufunga kamba!” kijana alimjibu mara moja. Mvuvi akamjibu “Kama hujui kufunga kamba, funga nyingi.”

Baada ya siku hiyo, kijana alijifunza mengi kutoka kwa mvuvi, na alifunga maelfu ya kamba. Hatimaye, alikuwa mvuvi stadi aliyeheshimiwa na jamii.

Kipaji chako hakipo tu katika asili yako, bali kinaundwa na juhudi unazozitoa. Ukubali kufundishwa na wengine, na usiogope kujaribu vipya. Fundo la kwanza utakalofunga, hulifungwi vizuri sana. Lakini kadri unavyoendelea kufunga kamba nyingi, ndivyo utakavyojifunza mbinu na mikakati bora.

Yule anayesema "siwezi" hujizuia nafasi za kujifunza. Kama hujui jinsi ya kufanya kitu fulani, ujifunze kwa vitendo na mazoezi. Kama hujui kupiga mpira, piga mipira mingi. Kama hujui kusalimia wateja, wasalimie wengi. Kama hujui kufunga kamba, funga nyingi.
...
Sources
Shukrani kwa Jan M anayetoka jimbo la Connecticut, Marekani, kwa kupendekeza methali hii kwetu!
Hadithi ni ya kwangu; inaruhusiwa kunakili / kuchapisha bila idhini ukitaja tu chanzo. CC BY
1

Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

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This picture was created using AI. What do you think? What picture do you think would best illustrate this proverb?

Don't count your chickens before they hatch means that you shouldn't depend on a favorable outcome until it is certain. You shouldn't assume that all your eggs will hatch into healthy chicks and grow into chickens. Do you have a story about this proverb? Share below!

The first written record of this common English proverb is a sonnet written in 1570 by Thomas Howell:
Count not thy Chickens that unhatched be,
Weigh words as wind, till thou find certainty 

Many languages have proverbs that convey a similar principle.

Swahili:
Tujivune hatimaye. 
Let's praise ourselves at the end.

French:
Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l’ours avant de l’avoir tué.
Don't sell the skin of the bear before killing it.

Arabic:
لا تشتري السمك وهو في البحر بل انتظر حتى يصطاد
Do not buy a fish while it is in the sea; wait until it is caught.

German:
Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben.
Don't praise the day before the evening.

Latin: 
Ante victoriam ne canas triumphum
Don't sing triumphs before the victory.

Portuguese:
Não conte com o ovo dentro da galinha.
Don't count on the egg inside the chicken.
...
Sources
 Citation: Wiktionary

Many hands make light work

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A big job becomes less burdensome when shared with many others through teamwork and cooperation.

Interestingly, this proverb contrasts with another English proverb "Too many cooks spoil the broth." As my dad pointed out, "It's 'many hands make light work'... not 'many hands make right work!'"

While the origins of the proverb are unclear, it appears in John Heywood's collection of English Proverbs (1546), where he attributes it to the didactic poem How the Good Wife Taught her Daughter (late 1300s), a didactic poem that reminds me of Utendi wa Mwana Kupona.  

Similar proverbs:

Kiswahili
Mikono mingi kazi haba
Many hands, small work

Chinese:
人多好辦事
Many people, fine work

Russian: 
берись дружно, не будет грузно
Take hold of it together, it won't be heavy




...
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1

Ahadi ni deni

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Hakika methali hii inaonyesha kanuni muhimu kuhusu mahusiano: Kutoa ahadi hujenga matarajio katika watu wengine. Tunapokosa kutimiza ahadi zetu, tunaharibu mahusiano yetu na jina letu. Ukitoa ahadi, jiulize, "Je, tungeandika mkataba wa maandishi unaosema hivyo, ningekuwa tayari kutia saini?" 

Kifaransa:
Chose promise, chose due.
Lililoahadiwa litadaiwa
Kirusi:
Долг платежом красен, а займы отдачею.
Deni ni nzuri linapolipwa, na mikopo inaporudishwa.
Kilatini:
Pacta sunt servanda
Makubaliano lazima yaheshimiwe. (Kanuni muhimu ya sheria ya kimataifa)
Kichina
口說無憑
Maneno yaliyosemwa hayana uthibitisho.
Kiingereza
Your word is your bond.
Neno lako ni dhamana yako.

Mnaonaje? Ahadi ina nguvu kama mkataba?
...
Sources
Kirusi: attested to here and in this 1941 USSR propaganda poster
Kichina: 口說無憑 Spoken words are no guarantee.
Kiingereza: Word is bond

Jisomee Kitabu Takatifu kwa Ramadhan au Kwaresma (kwa Kiswahili!)

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Brighid McCarthy
Updated 4mo ago
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Scott M
Announcement

Vitabu vya Dini
Vitabu juu ya Ukristo
Vitabu juu ya Uislamu

Kwa watu wengi, kitabu wanachokipenda zaidi ni kitabu takatifu, kama Biblia au Korani. Kwa nini tunapenda kusoma vitabu hivi kuliko vitabu vingine? 
  • - Vitabu Takatifu vinahusiana na mambo muhimu ya maisha.
  • - Vitabu Takatifu vinatupa busara na fadhili kama ujasiri, unyenyekevu, na imani.
  • - Vitabu Takatifu vina hadithi za kusisimua kuhusu manabii na mashujaa. 
Mimi nimesoma vitabu vingi takatifu kutoka dini tofauti kama vile Korani, Biblia, na vitabu takatifu vya Wahindi na Wachina. Nimetambua vina kanuni na hadithi zilezile; ni majina tu hubadilika.
Vitabu vya shule vina maswali mengi, na majibu sahihi yapo katika sehemu ya mwisho, au katika Kitabu cha Mwalimu. Ila kwa vitabu takatifu, hakuna majibu ya hakika. Wasomi na walimu wa dini bado hawakubaliani kabisa maana ya kitabu. Wanatumia elimu walionayo kujadili na wanahojiana juu ya aya muhimu. 
Kama unaamini kitabu fulani kilitoka Mungu, usimwamini mtu yeyote kukuambia kinasema nini-- Jisomee mwenyewe!
Kwa watu wengi, wakati huu ni msimu wa kutafakari dini zao, kwa sababu ya Ramadhan na Kwaresma.  Chukue nafasi hii kujielimisha kidini. 


For many people, their favorite book is a Holy Book, like the Bible or Quran. Why do we like to read these books more than others?
  • - Holy books are about the important things in life.
  • - Holy books give us wisdom, courage, humility and faith.
  • - Holy books have exciting stories about prophets and heroes. 
I've read a lot of books from different religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. I recognized the same principles and stories-- it's just the names that change. School textbooks have many questions and the correct answers are in the last section, or in the Teacher's Book. But for Holy Books, there are no certain answers. The scholars and teachers of religion still don't completely agree on the meaning of the book. They use their education to discuss and argue about important verses.
If you believe that a certain book came from God, don't trust any person to tell you what it says-- Read it for yourself!  
For many people, this is a season to meditate on religion because of Ramadan and Lent. Take this chance to educate yourself.
...

Happy Arduino Day from Maktaba.org! 13 Free eBooks for Makers like you

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Suddenly curious about Artificial Intelligence? Download these 7 free books today!

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If you don't know how to tie a rope, tie a lot

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Brighid McCarthy
Proverb

Once upon a time, there was a young man in search of his talent. One day, he was advised by his grandfather, "Everyone has a talent, seek yours." Therefore, he began his journey to find it.

On the road, he met his peers playing football. They welcomed him and he started playing with them. "Perhaps this is my talent!" he thought to himself hopefully. However, when the ball came near him, the young man was afraid and said, "I don't know how to kick the ball!" The others chased him away, laughing at him.

In the streets, he encountered a street vendor. "Maybe this is my talent." he thought. The vendor welcomed him and instructed, "Greet this customer." But when the customer approached him, the young man was afraid, "I don't know how to greet a customer!" he said. The vendor became angry, and the young man was chased away again.

As he continued to walk, he thought, "I regret leaving home today, I don't have any talent." When he reached the shore, he met a fisherman. The fisherman welcomed him and he boarded the boat. The fisherman gave him a rope and said, "Tie this." "I don't know how to tie a knot!" the young man said quickly. The fisherman answered, "If you don't know how to tie a knot, tie a lot."

After that day, the young man learned a lot from the fisherman, and he tied thousands of knots. Eventually, he became a skilled fisherman respected by the community.

Your talent is not only in your nature, but is formed by the effort you put forth. Accept to be taught by others, and do not fear trying new things. The first knot you tie might not be perfect. But the more ropes you tie, the more you will learn better techniques and strategies.

Those who say "I can't" deny themselves the opportunity to learn. If you don't know how to do something, learn by doing and practicing. If you don't know how to kick a ball, kick many balls. If you don't know how to greet customers, greet many. If you don't know how to tie a knot, tie a lot.
...
Sources
Thank you to Jan M in Connecticut, USA for suggesting this proverb to us!
Story: CC BY (Originally written in Swahili)
2

Haste makes waste (Haraka haraka haina baraka)

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Brighid McCarthy
Proverb

Today's proverb "Haraka haraka haina baraka" literally translates to "Hurry hurry has no blessing"... but that doesn't rhyme, so we decided to go with "Haste makes waste." Which translation do you like better?  Have you ever rushed through something and regretted it later? Comment below... 

I see two possible interpretations of this proverb (in Swahili):
  1. Patience: Hurry causes us to make mistakes, and those mistakes cause us to miss out on potential blessings.
  2. Mindfulness: When we're in a hurry, we don't have time to notice or enjoy the blessings we have.  
What do you think? What's your interpretation?

Similar saying are common around the world:
Spanish: 
No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano
(Waking up early doesn't make the sun rise any sooner)
Chinese: 
欲速则不达
(Haste makes waste)
From the Sayings of Confucius (Analects, 13:17, page 92)
When Tsz-hiá became governor of Kü-fu, and consulted him about government, he answered, "Do not wish for speedy results. Do not look at trivial advantages. If you wish for speedy results, they will not be far-reaching; and if you regard trivial advantages you will not successfully deal with important affairs."
French: 
Tout vient a point a qui sait attendre
(Everything comes to those who wait)
Kiswahili: 
Pole pole ndio mwendo
(Slow slow is the way to go)

In the book "More Swahili Proverbs from East Africa" Kalugila and Lodhi use this proverb as a good example of traditional Swahili poetic meter and rhyme scheme. (See sources)
Haraka haraka haina baraka
aaba, 3+3/3+3 
 Say it out loud a couple times... it's pretty fun to say. (Note: it's pronounced "hah-ee-na" like the animal.) 

I asked AI how I could apply Haraka haraka haina baraka in my daily life. Here's some of the advice I got: (edited)
  1. Planning: Before you undertake any task, take the time to plan. Break down large tasks into smaller manageable steps, and give yourself enough time to complete each step well.
  2. Decision Making: Avoid making quick, impulsive decisions, especially on important matters. List all of your options, weigh the pros and cons, seek advice, and then make an informed choice.
  3. Learning: Instead of trying to rush through a book, class or homework exercise, go slowly, ask questions, and reread until you fully understand the material. This way you will truly learn and remember the information, rather than forgetting it quickly. You'll also enjoy learning a lot more!
  4. Relationships: Building strong relationships takes time. Whether it's with friends, family, or romantic partners, don't rush. Invest time in getting to know the person, understanding them, and building a strong foundation.
  5. Work: Try to prioritize quality over speed, and take breaks to avoid burnout. Avoid rushing through your tasks just to get them over with. This not only results in higher quality work but also helps you learn and grow in your role.
  6. Health: Don't look for quick fixes or shortcuts when it comes to your health. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep are all essential, and they require time and commitment.
  7. Self-Improvement: Personal growth and development is a gradual process. Don’t rush it. Set achievable goals, work towards them step by step, and appreciate the small victories along the way.
  8. Mindfulness: Pay attention to where you are and what you are doing. When eating, savor each bite.  When walking, notice the sensation of each step. When speaking with someone, give them your full attention. "Haraka haraka haina baraka," teaches us to value the journey, not just the destination. 

Pretty solid advice, I'd say... Look forward to reading your comments :)

Related books on Maktaba:
Interpersonal Communication - A Mindful Approach to Relationships
Analects of Confucius (English Translation)
Methali za Kiswahili - Swahili Proverbs ukurasa wa 202
More Swahili Proverbs from East Africa: Methali zaidi za kiswahili toka Afrika Mashariki by Leonidas Kalugila and Abdulaziz Y. Lodhi, Page 85: 
...
Sources
Haraka haraka haina baraka
Swahili proverb on Wiktionary - "Haraka haraka haina baraka"
Swahili Proverbs about Hurry and Patience collected by Albert Scheven, Center for African Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Google translate shows "Haste makes waste" translates to "Haraka haraka haina baraka" and this translation was "reviewed by contributors." However, notice if you reverse them (back translate to English) on Google translate, it changes to "Haste has no blessing." Hm...

More Swahili Proverbs from East Africa: Methali zaidi za kiswahili toka Afrika Mashariki by Leonidas Kalugila and Abdulaziz Y. Lodhi, Page 85:
Historically, proverbs seem to have preceded poetry, and Swahili poets have had access to the abundance of proverbs treasured by the bearers of the oral tradition. Early proverbs were most certainly formed in a poetic fashion that gradually became more refined and established generally accepted prosodic forms. The most common Swahili proverbs, and which are rather short, have 6, 8, 12 or 16 syllables (mizani), and many of them appear in poems and songs as lines (mistari), hemistichs or half-lines (vipande), or as refrains (mikarara). There are many examples of a p0em which starts with a proverb and is in fact an elaboration of it. In the following examples from different poems, we find the 3+3 rhyOhm i.e. 6 syllables with a medial caesurae (kituo) having a penultimate stress: 
Akili ni mali. -  Intelligence is an asset.
Mahaba ni haba. - Love is worth little.
Mapenzi majonzi. - Love brings melancholy.
The caesurae in a proverb causing the 2, 3 or 4 hemistichs is a rhythmic break equivalent to a caesurae in a well-balanced poem, and the various resulting rhymes can be described as follows:
Haraka haraka, haina baraka. (aaba, 3+3/3+3) Hurry, hurry, has no blessings / Haste makes waste.
(Kwa) haba na haba, hujaza kibaba. (aaba, 3+3/3+3) Little by little fills up the measure.


Proverbs in other languages:
Chinese proverb (Wiktionary)
Spanish proverb (Wiktionary)
French proverb (le dictionnaire Orthodidacte)
"The French Seen through Their Proverbs and Proverbial Expressions" by Henri F. Muller (1943) (JSTOR - paywall)

Haraka haraka haina baraka

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Updated 4mo ago
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Proverb

Methali ya leo ni "Haraka haraka haina baraka." Tafsiri yake kwa Kiingereza ni "Haste makes waste" au "Hurry hurry has no blessing" Mnaonaje - tafsiri ipi bora? Toeni maoni chini... 

Kwa upande wangu naona kwa mitazamo miwili. Methali hii inaweza kutufundisha:
  1. Subira: Haraka husababisha makosa, na makosa hutuzuia baraka. (Nenda taratibu)
  2. Mindfulness (yaani uwepo kiakili na utulivu): Tunapopoenda kwa haraka, hakuna muda wa kutambua, kutumia au kufurahia baraka tulizo nazo. 

Kuna misemo karibu na "haraka haraka haina baraka" katika nchi nyingi. Mifano: 
Kihispania: 
No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano
(Kuamka mapema hakufanyi jua kuchomoza mapema)
Kifaransa: 
Tout vient a point a qui sait attendre
(Everything comes to those who wait)
Kiswahili:
 Pole pole ndio mwendo 
Kichina: 
欲速则不达
Methali hii ya Kichina ni karibu na "Haraka haraka haina baraka". Inatoka kitabu cha Misemo ya Konfusio (Analects, 13:17, ona ukurasa wa 92):
Tsz-hiá alipokuwa Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Kü-fu, aliomba ushauri wa Konfusio juu ya serikali,  Konfusio akajibu "Usitamani matokeo ya haraka. Usiangalie faida ndogo. Ukitaka matokeo ya haraka, hayatakuwa ya mbali; na ukizingatia faida ndogo huwezi kukabiliana vizuri na mambo muhimu."

Katika kitabu cha  "Methali za Kiswahili Zaidi kutoka Afrika Mashariki" waandishi Kalugila na Lodhi walitaja methali hii kama mfano mzuri wa mtindo wa ushauri katika methali:
Kwa mujibu wa tarehe/historia, yaelekea kuwa mithali zilitangulia tungo za ushairi, na watungaji wa Kiswahili walikuwa na fursa ya kutumia hazina kubwa ya mithali zilizohifadhiwa na wakuzaji wa masimulizi na mapokeo ambao wengi wao walikuwa wanawake. Mithali za hapo mwanzoni bila shaka zilitungwa kwa mitindo ya ushairi ambayo polepole ikatakata na kuweka imara miundo ya arudhi/prozodi zilizokubaliwa kuwa za kawaida. Mithali za Kiswahili za kawaida mno, na zilizo fupi pia, ni zenye mizani 6, 8, 12 au 16. Nyingi zao hutumika katika tunga kama mistari, vipande au mikarara/vipokeo. Kuna mifano ming i ya mashairi yanayoanzia na mithali fulani na pia ni maelezo marefu ya mithali yenyewe.Katika mifano ifuatayo kutoka mashairi mbalimbali kuna ikaa (mwendo wa ulinganiful ya 3 + 3, yaani mizani 6 parnoja na kituo cha kati na mkazo kwenye mizani ya mwisho ila moja: [Mifano:] Akili ni mali. Mahaba ni haba. Mapenzi majonzi.
Kituo katika mithali na fumbo kisababishacho vipande 2, 3 au 4 ni sawa na kituo chenye ikaa/mwendo katika mashairi ya vina yenye mizani kamiIi zinazolingana. Vina vyenyewe vinaweza kuelezwa kama ifuatavyo. [Mifano]:
Haraka haraka / haina baraka (aaba, 3+3/3+3)
(Kwa) haba na haba / hujaza kibaba. (aaba, 3+3/3+3)
 
Niliuliza Akili Bandia "Nifanye nini ili kutekeleza methali ya "haraka haraka haina baraka katika maisha yangu ya kila siku?" Hapa ni shauri zake: (Nilihariri nukuu)
Kuweka Mipango: Kabla ya kuanza kazi/mradi, chukua muda wa kuweka mipango. Gawanya kazi kubwa katika hatua ndogo zinazoweza kudhibitiwa, na ujipe muda wa kutosha kukamilisha kila hatua vizuri.
Kufanya Maamuzi: Usifanye maamuzi kwa haraka na ya haraka, hasa kuhusu mambo muhimu. Orodhesha chaguzi zako zote, pima faida na hasara, tafuta ushauri, kisha ufanye chaguo sahihi.
Kujifunza: Badala ya kujaribu kusoma kitabu, darasa au zoezi la nyumbani kwa haraka, nenda polepole, jiulize maswali, soma tena na tena hadi uelewe nyenzo kikamilifu. Kwa njia hii utajifunza kweli na kukumbuka habari, badala ya kuisahau haraka. Pia utafurahia kujifunza mengi zaidi!
Mahusiano: Kujenga mahusiano imara huchukua muda. Iwe na marafiki, familia, au mapenzi, usikimbilie. Wekeza muda katika kumfahamu mtu, kumwelewa, na kujenga msingi imara.
Kazi: Zingatia ubora kuliko kasi, na uchukue muda wako wa mapumziko ili kuepuka uchovu. Epuka kuharakisha kazi zako ili kuzimaliza haraka. Ukienda haraka hautafanya kazi yenye ubora wa juu, lakini pia kufanya kazi kwa makini hukusaidia kujifunza na kukua.
Afya: Usitafute suluhisho la haraka wala njia za mkato katika masuala ya afya yako. Mazoezi, chakula safi, na mapumziko ni muhimu, na yote yanahitaji muda.
Kujiboresha: Ukuaji na maendeleo ya kibinafsi ni mchakato wa muda mrefu. Usiharakishe. Weka malengo yanayoweza kufikiwa, yafanyie kazi hatua kwa hatua, na uthamini ushindi mdogo unaoendelea.
Mindfulness (uwepo wa kiakili): Kuwa makini na mahali ulipo na kile unachokifanya. Wakati wa kula, furahia ladha kile unapotafuna. Unapozungumza na mtu, mzikilize kwa makini. "Haraka haraka haina baraka" inatufundisha maisha ni safari. 
Naona Akili Bandia alinipa ushauri mzuri wa busara... Ningependa kujua maoni yenu :)

Vitabu Vinavyohusiana:
More Swahili Proverbs from East Africa: Methali zaidi za kiswahili toka Afrika Mashariki by Leonidas Kalugila and Abdulaziz Y. Lodhi, ukurasa wa 77
Methali za Kiswahili - Swahili Proverbs ukurasa wa 202
Misemo ya Konfusio - Analects, 13:17, ukurasa wa 92 (Kiingereza kutoka Kichina)
Interpersonal Communication - A Mindful Approach to Relationships 

...
Sources
Rasilimali:
Mindfulness (Jamii forums)
Wiktionary - "Haraka haraka haina baraka"
Swahili Proverbs about Hurry and Patience collected by Albert Scheven, Center for African Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Google translate inaonyesha "Haste makes waste" tafsiri yake ni "Haraka haraka haina baraka" na inasema "reviewed by contributors." Lakini ukibadilisha nafasi (back translate) utaona "Haste has no blessing." Hm... Ipi bora?

Vyanzo vya methali za lugha nyingine:
Kichina: (Wiktionary)  (BBC)
Kihispania: (Wiktionary)
Kifaransa (le dictionnaire Orthodidacte)

Thank you Scott M for your donation!

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Brighid McCarthy
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Donations

Thank you for donating 2 books
These books are on their way to new readers at Elimu Yetu Library. Follow their journey by viewing the book profiles on Maktaba.org:
  1. Start Something That Matters
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  3. Habari Njema: Agano Jipya Kitabu cha 5
  4. Imani Yangu
  5. Habari Njema: Agano Jipya Kitabu cha 6
  6. Njoo Roho Mtakataifu
  7. Alama ya Mkristo
  8. Msingi wa Imani
  9. Kuzaliwa kwa Yesu na Matendo Yake
  10. Habari Njema: Agano Jipya Kitabu cha 1
  11. Habari Njema: Agano Jipya Kitabu cha 4
  12. Habari Njema: Agano Jipya Kitabu cha 2
  13. Habari Njema: Agano Jipya Kitabu cha 3
  14. Roho Mtakatifu na Maisha Mapya
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Updated 4mo ago
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Donate Announcement Social entrepreneurship

It was such an honor to meet with Books for Africa in Minneapolis, Minnesota last week and learn more about their incredible work delivering over 50 million books to every country in Africa! We are excited to partner with them next year to bring books to readers of all ages in Tanzania. We'll need your help. Look forward to updates on how you can start a book drive or fundraiser in your community.
Schools and organizations in Tanzania who need books are encouraged to get in touch regarding partnership.
Shule na mashirika yanayohitaji vitabu, tafadhali wasiliana nasi, tushirikiane. 
...