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Posts / Proverbs Proverb of the day

Haste makes waste (Haraka haraka haina baraka)

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
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