The Wisdom of Opposing Proverbs
Many proverbs come in pairs with opposite meanings, reminding us that every situation has more than one perspective. In other words, there is rarely a single correct answer; what is “right” often depends on timing and circumstance. This is why it is essential to cultivate our own awareness and judgment to discern which wisdom applies in a given moment. In Japan, for example, there are contrasting proverbs such as “Slow and steady wins the race (or Haste makes waste)” and “Do good things quickly (or Never hesitate to do good).” The first warns that rushing increases the chances of failure and that taking the longer, more reliable path is often wiser. The second teaches that good deeds should be done immediately, without missing the opportunity. These examples show that in the practice of life, insight and judgment matter far more than simply memorizing proverbs.