Proverbs and Sayings

Jul 23 2011

An Apple a Day by Caroline Taggart

An Apple a Day: Old-Fashioned Proverbs –Timeless Words to Live By is not really a book you read like a novel so I put the volume in my “office” and read a couple of entries as I was able.  As you might imagine, reading it in this way took awhile which is why I am reviewing it months after it was published.

Here is the publishers description:

From Old Testament proverbs to modern phrases like “the best things in life are free,” An Apple a Day takes a fun look at expressions that “have stood the test of time.” Read through from start to finish or search through the list of hundreds of the most common proverbs, arranged from A to Z for easy reference. You’ll learn about each proverb’s surprising origins, why some are valid and others are not, the derivation and meanings behind them, and their relevance in today’s society.

My take? This is another fun addition to this series from Readers Digest. It happens to be more entertainment that reference material however. Sure, Taggart often gives insight and information into the sources and development of the proverbs, phrases and aphorisms listed but more often she offers her own commentary and witticisms. You get  a sense of the development of proverbs and how the culture and time influence both the wording and the perspective.  Rather than a technical resource this feels like a miscellany type meditation on the subject.

But nevertheless it is an interesting tour through some of the more famous proverbs and how we might use, understand and discuss them today. You come away with a sense of the role these types of phrases play in out language and conversations. Wordsmiths and literature lovers would enjoy this one.

By Kevin Holtsberry • Reviews • 0 • Tags: , , , ,

Mar 6 2011

In the Mail: An Apple a Day

An Apple a Day: Old-Fashioned Proverbs –Timeless Words to Live By

Product Description

Proverbs, those brief well-known sayings that offer lively advice, encouragement, or even words of warning, are as popular today as they were when they first originated–so much so that many have even made their way into several generations of pop culture. These colorful expressions have become an enduring part of our contemporary speech, but how often do we stop to think about their origins or meanings? From wise maxims originating with the Old Testament and other ancient texts to relatively modern gems coined by poets, writers, or philosophers, An Apple a Day takes a close look at why these sayings “have stood the test of time.” Inside you’ll find:

  • Hundreds of the most common proverbs, arranged from A to Z
  • A look back at their often surprising origins
  • An understanding of why some are valid; others are not
  • The derivation and meanings behind them
  • Their relevance in today’s society
  • Why they are so true . . . or sometimes not

An Apple a Day is no everyday dictionary of proverbs. It’s an honest look at hundreds of fun, sometimes contradictory, and occasionally confusing tidbits of truth. After all, “It takes all sorts to make a world.”

 

By Kevin Holtsberry • In The Mail • 1 • Tags: ,

Feb 25 2009

Best-Loved Chinese Proverbs by Theodora Lau

Sometimes books I read or receive just get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. I am sure this never happens to you, but sometimes I just am not that organized. But I am trying this year to improve catch myself when books get lost.

One such book is Best-Loved Chinese Proverbs by Theodora Lau.  Here is the publiser blurb:

“By filling one’s head instead of one’s pocket, one cannot be robbed.”

The appeal of Chinese proverbs is profound and universal. With brevity, clarity, and simplicity, these carefully chosen words help pass wisdom and insight throughout the ages. This timeless, eloquent collection of proverbs offers fundamental truths about the natural world and the human condition, on subjects such as:

Ability • Adversity • Beauty • Chracter • Conflict

Cooperation • Deception • Defeat • Fortune • Greed • Happiness

Honor • Inspiration • Knowledge • Leadership • Love

Moderation • Necessity • Neighbors • Obstinacy • Opportunity

Perseverance • Pride • Sincerity • Strategy • Success

Thought • Trust • Victory • Wisdom • And More

And really there is not much else to add to that.  If you have an interest in China or just enjoy Chinese Proverbs (or pithy insights in general) then this is the kind of book you will want.

It is attractively designed – including traditional calligraphy with a pronunciation key – and laid out by subject as noted above.  It is a handy book to have on the coffee table or to dip into when the mood strikes.  It is also handy if you are looking for a particularly apt quote to use to introduce a subject; a creative twist on quotable quotes.

Here are a couple of my favorites so far:

  • “First attain skill; creativity comes later.”
  • “Fashion is a tyrant who dictates never-ending change.”
  • “That which is beautiful is not always good.  But that which is good is always beautiful.”
  • “Often one finds destiny just where one hides to avoid it.”
  • “Pleasure cannot be pursued to its limit, for pleasure could also be a fountain of sorrow.”

Do you have a favorite saying or proverb?  If so leave in the comments.  If not, check out this handy collection.  Who knows you might learn something . . .

By Kevin Holtsberry • Reviews • 0 • Tags: , ,