June 25, 2023
Updated over 1 year ago
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
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.
