AGE: 20

Date_of_performance: February 15, 2025

Language: English

Nationality: Indian

Occupation: Student

Primary Language: English

Residence: New York

Context: “During floods, large trees that stand erect are often washed away, while short grass remains in its place because of its flexibility. Similarly, in the floods of life, the inflexible and egotistical are swept away, while the flexible and humble endure.” A came across this proverb at a temple, and his family has taught him similar things about adapting and being humble. He interprets it as you have to have the flexibility and kindness to be able to handle what life throws at you.

I: Do you have a favorite proverb or saying?

A: Yeah, one that really stuck with me is: “During floods, large trees that stand erect are often washed away, while short grass remains in its place because of its flexibility. Similarly, in the floods of life, the inflexible and egotistical are swept away, while the flexible and humble endure.”

I: That’s interesting, where did you first see it and what does it mean?

A: I first saw it when I visited a Hindu Temple in New Jersey. It means having resiliency and humility. You need to always have an open mind and be able to adapt to what life throws your way. Never be so rigid and go with the flow.

I: Have you ever seen an example of this in real life?

A: Yeah, when searching for finance internships, usually those who are cocky or arrogant end up being the ones who can’t find one or have problems in their careers later on. 

Analysis:

I really like this proverb, and it makes sense to me. I’ve always wanted to be a humble and kind person and this proverb shows a practical reason for doing so. Not to say that I want to have these qualities just because of what I can get in return, but it shows me there are real-life benefits to being humble and quick to adapt. This ties into another phrase I’ve heard, which is “Being kind is free”. I want to remain and adaptable and humble person in the future because of the positive outlying effects it brings me and those around me.