Tag Archives: family

Motivational Proverb

Age: 19

Date of performance: 02/20/2025

Language: English

Nationality: American

Occupation: Student 

Primary Language: English

Title- Chop Wood and Carry Water

Context- C is a student studying Behavioral Economics. He shares with me a saying his Irish grandfather, Pap Pap, tells him and his family through school or in fitness for any challenging times—“Chop Wood and Carry Water”. C says “it means to focus fully on the present moment by diligently performing even mundane tasks, and taking everything one step at a time. It’s a process, not overnight”.

Analysis- In folklore, proverbs are short and fixed metaphorical phrases that carry a general truth or give advice. C shared a proverb that circulates within his family– “Chop Wood and Carry Water”. This phrase can be considered a proverb as it is short and reverses the typical structure of a proverb of the topic followed by a comment. I believe that this proverb, as C mentioned, can be applied to trying times such as pursuing education or participating in a physically draining activity. In times where I may lose motivation to carry on with my studies or tidy up around the house, I’ll make sure to think of C & his family when I think to myself to ‘Chop Wood and Carry Water’.

Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres.

Age: 19
Language: Spanish/English

Text: Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres. (Literal translation: Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.)

Context: The participant, upon getting into and preparing to attend college, described the saying her father taught her that he thought would best help her in her transition. In her new school, her father wanted her to make good decisions to ensure a good future. Since he believes that one’s environment is oftentimes a predictor of one’s success, he wanted to imbue a great sense of importance upon the participant that her friends were included in this environment. According to the participant, he wanted to make sure the friends she made were “like-minded and focused with good study habits”. 

Analysis: A popular Spanish proverb, this saying speaks to one’s character, and the people they choose to surround themselves. Supposedly, it is meant to convey the idea that our personalities and the way we are perceived by others is entirely predicated upon the company that we choose to keep. This sentiment is not unique to Spanish-speaking cultures, as other proverbs across different languages (such as “birds of a feather flock together”) hold similar meanings. This proverb (and subsequently, those in other languages meant to convey the same idea) is most likely intended to encourage people to be particular about those close to them, and make sure that their morals align with their friends’.

You always do kind things with expecting nothing in return.

Age: 22
Language: Spanish/English

Text: You always do kind things with expecting nothing in return.

Context: The participant remembers hearing this saying a lot around his family, especially coming from his mother. Although originally the phrase was said to him in Spanish, he does not remember the original Spanish phrasing; as such, he only remember this translation. He recounted that in his youth, his mother enjoyed volunteer work and would always encourage his entire family to volunteer and help out their local community. To the participant, this saying reminds him that he should be doing good “not as a means to something but for the act of doing good”. 

Analysis: This saying is meant to convey an ethical lesson in support of altruism. In other words, it’s meant to encourage the helping of others without the expectation of any reward – monetary, praise, or otherwise. This proverb feels pretty universal in its applicability – although the participant has been told the saying in Spanish, the main message of selflessness transcends language.

Family Proverb

Nationality: American
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Residence: New York City, NY
Language: English

Text: “Finish the job”

Context: C.’s mom would often say this to her when she was growing up to encourage her and her sisters to complete what they started as it made life and other tasks easier. Her mom would also say it at work. For example, her mom would say to finish the job when putting away laundry so that you aren’t left with it and it makes it better later. C. uses this mindset in her life now and says it to herself.

Analysis: This phrase is a family proverb that has now been passed down through the generations. It reflects the family’s strong work ethic and the belief that following through on things leads to longer term ease and success. It has been adapted to various situations (work and home) while still carrying its original meaning.

Family Proverb for Stressful Situations

Nationality: American
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Residence: New York City, NY
Language: English

Text: “Sit down and think”

Context: C. shares how her mom often said this to guide her in stressful situations. Her mom learned it from her own father, who told her during a snowstorm when they were stuck in a car. C.’s mom also recalled it when she missed her stop on the German subway, getting separated from her friends and lost in a foreign country. Now, C. repeats it to herself in times when panic isn’t helpful, reminding her to pause and think instead.

Analysis: This is a family proverb and folk speech passed down through multiple generations now as a way to navigate stressful situations. The wisdom evolves through each lived experience, like survival knowledge. The knowledge has been helpful in many different situations.