Words of Wisdom

FROM THE CORNER HOME OFFICE
BY CHIP RUDOLPH, OWNER
Problemsolvers, Southern California
2managelife@gmail.com

Throughout the centuries, proverbs, adages, and quotes from well-known individuals have been passed down generation to generation. Elders in most societies are revered. They are sought out by the younger members of the group for their wisdom. From The Corner Home Office will explore these WORDS OF WISDOM several times throughout the year.

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This month, From The Corner Home Office explores some very old English sayings. The first appeared in Old English Homilies in 1175. It is thought to be the oldest English proverb still in use today. It was also referenced in a book of proverbs by John Heywood in 1546.

YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER,
BUT YOU CANNOT MAKE IT DRINK

Basically people will do what they want, when they want and, in the manner they choose to do so. Even when asking for advice from a friend, relative or therapist, their will governs their actions. This might be true whether it solves the problem or not.

Frequently, there are those in our lives that we wish to help because we care about them. We understand some of the trials and tribulations they endure. It seems clear to us what needs to be done or changed to alter the difficulties. However, any words of advice we offer are ignored over and over again. They might be given really sound guidance, but all attempts are unsuccessful. They just choose the same behavior repeatedly. Heed these words to avoid conflict when your good intentions are met with resistance. It is wise to remember the only life we can control is our own.

The next two sayings spawned many variations through the years into modern times.

William Langland wrote his classic work of the Middle Ages: THE VISION OF PIERS PLOWMAN in 1370. Geoffrey Chaucer also mentioned the same saying in his THE CANTERBURY TALES in 1386. The WORDS OF WISDOM from these works are:

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

British poet, novelist and essayist Lady Mary Montgomerie Currie wrote under the pseudonym name of Violet Fane. Her poem TOUT VIENT A QUI SAIT ATTENDRE was introduced circa 1872. Her WORDS OF WISDOM are:

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT

Over time, many variations have been created and used frequently. Examples
include:

• ALL THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT.
• ANYTHING WORTH HAVING IS WORTH WAITING FOR.
• ANYTHING WORTH HAVING IS WORTH WORKING FOR.
• SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE.
• THE JOURNEY OF 1000 MILES BEGINS WITH THE FIRST STEP.

Patience and quality seem to be the common theme. Consider the following:

In the tale of THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE, the speedy rabbit is not the winner of the race. The tortoise plods his way to the finish line and the prize, while the rabbit takes a nap.

If the time in each stage of the assembly line at the auto factory were totaled, a Toyota would take approximately thirteen hours to complete. On a handcrafted work that is made piece by piece, completion for a Jaguar takes three and one-half months.

Quality cannot be rushed. It takes time. It takes concentration and perseverance.

These lessons are valuable for all of us. Throughout life, we will be challenged in many areas. By following these WORDS OF WISDOM taught thru our experts, books, spiritual lessons, and experiences, we will travel the road of peace, accomplishment, and satisfaction.

Watch for future blogs discussing WORDS OF WISDOM when FROM THE CORNER HOME OFFICE returns in future months. Your comments and questions are always welcome. Lifeskills Academy offers classes, blogs, discussion groups and more. Stay informed – Sign up - Find out more at https://www.lifeskillsacademy.expert 

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