Sayings with Soul: What Cultures Value, in Their Own Words
- Adam Raelson
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Proverbs, sayings, or idioms may seem like throwaway phrases, but often, they reveal the deep structure of how people think, communicate, and relate to the world around them. Because sometimes, the deepest insights into a culture don’t come from formal frameworks or training slides, they come from a simple saying passed down through generations. At CultureComms Consulting, we work at the intersection of global communication and intercultural competency.
Let’s unpack the wisdom of old sayings to find insight into cultural values and dimensions in which they originated.
1. “The cream rises to the top.”
– United States
This classic American saying is pure meritocracy. It reflects a belief that the best will naturally stand out, succeed, and be recognized. In U.S. business culture, self-promotion and competition are expected. This proverb reinforces the idea that if you're good, you'll be seen.
Cultural values revealed:
Individualism: Celebrates the belief that talented or hardworking individuals will stand out and succeed.
Meritocracy: Assumes that effort, intelligence, and ability will be earned and rewarded regardless of background, not inheritance.
Action-orientation: The focus is on performance as the measure of worth.
2. “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.”
– Japan
In direct contrast to U.S. values, this Japanese saying discourages standing out and promotes group harmony over personal achievement. In Japanese workplaces, being too assertive can be seen as disruptive. Fitting in is often valued more than excelling individually.
Cultural values revealed:
Collectivism: Strong emphasis on group harmony and social pressure towards conformity.
Emotional restraint: Being too expressive or standing out is seen with skepticism.
Between-the-lines communication: People are expected to "read the air" of the environment around them and adjust their behavior accordingly.
3. “Do not curse God for having created the tiger; thank Him for not giving it wings!”
– India
This Indian saying reveals a beautifully optimistic perspective: things could always be worse. In Indian society, where vivid contradictions coexist, this proverb encourages acceptance of the dangers or hardships in life while also finding reasons to be grateful.
Cultural values revealed:
Karmic acceptance: Emphasizes that life’s circumstances, both good and bad, are influenced by one’s past actions (in this or previous lives). Hardship is part of the cosmic order and reframes suffering through gratitude.
Resilience and adaptability: Encourages a mindset of persevering with grace, especially in the face of natural unpredictability.
Hierarchical worldview: There’s a sense that some things (like tigers or fate) are beyond human control and should be approached with humility, not protest.
4. “The rabbi who praises himself has a congregation of one.”
– Jewish cultural context
Though not a traditional proverb, this quote resonates with Jewish values, especially in religious or scholarly settings, where humility and authority come from learning and community respect, not self-promotion.
Cultural values revealed:
Authority through scholarship, not status: Leadership in Jewish tradition is earned through learning and ethical behavior, not declared through title or self-promotion.
Relationship-oriented trust: Jewish cultural life, especially in diaspora communities, has long revolved around tightly knit social structures where legitimacy depends on a relational view of leadership, rather than self-assertion.
High unpredictability tolerance: Rigid self-certainty is a barrier to growth. Others’ opinions are welcome, allowing for mutual respect and willingness for debate.
5. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
– United States
This saying celebrates self-advocacy, reinforcing the idea that if something needs attention, you have to speak up to get it.
Cultural values revealed:
Individualism: Personal initiative is expected and rewarded in both personal and professional contexts.
Direct communication: Problems are meant to be expressed openly, not implied.
Low power distance: People are encouraged to voice concerns regardless of rank or title.
6. “Order is half of life.” – Germany
This German proverb reflects the high value placed on structure, responsibility, and preparation in all aspects of life.
Cultural values revealed:
Task-based trust: Being reliable, organized, and precise builds professional credibility.
Low unpredictability tolerance: A clear sense of order and predictability is preferred. Rules, systems, and procedures help reduce ambiguity and create stability.
Middle power distance: While authority and structure are respected, logical reasoning allows for questioning or challenging authority when warranted.
7. “The clever rabbit has three burrows.”
– China
This proverb highlights strategic thinking in complex social systems where caution and foresight are key.
Cultural values revealed:
High power distance: Navigating hierarchies wisely ensures survival and knowing how to maneuver without direct confrontation is key. Multiple “burrows” represent a cautious approach to operating within power structures.
Guanxi (relationships): Social safety nets and strong relationships are a form of security, but individuals shouldn’t rely on just one connection.
Strategic adaptability: Promotes resilience through proactive risk management. When things go wrong, it’s critical to have back-up plans in order to be adaptable.
8. “Big thieves hang little thieves.”
– Czech Republic
Although technically this proverb is not originally Czech, with its earliest traces back to Latin and Old French in the 12th–15th centuries, it particularly became widely adopted in Czech culture, while falling out of common usage in most other European cultures. The proverb’s message is universal, but the Czech version is culturally strong, especially due to the country’s historical experiences with authoritarian rulerships.
Cultural values revealed:
Skepticism: This darkly humorous proverb captures a deep-rooted skepticism toward authority. It’s a good example of a borrowed proverb that took deep cultural root in Czech society, where skepticism toward authority runs centuries deep.
Cynicism: A pragmatic awareness of how the world often works in favor of the powerful and the uneven application of justice. Power is not automatically seen as legitimate and is often viewed as systemically self-serving.
High power distance: Power structures are acknowledged, but with criticism rather than reverence.
9. “Just the right amount is best”
– Sweden
This quintessential Swedish saying reflects a cultural love of moderation, where balance is the ideal in everything from ambition to lifestyle.
Cultural values revealed:
Lagom: The belief in “just enough” as the guiding principle for achieving balance and avoiding extremes.
Restraint: Overindulgence and self-promotion are traditionally frowned upon in Swedish culture. Being humble and emotionally composed is seen as a social virtue.
Jantelagen: Values fairness and egalitarianism, where no one is seen as better than anyone else. Success is most respected when it’s understated and shared.
10. “He who is in a hurry eats raw food.”
– Brazil
This flavorful proverb reminds us that rushing in life may cost you. Either the richness of the moment or the outcomes you hope for.
Cultural values revealed:
Flexible-time orientation: In Brazil, taking your time is not laziness; it’s wisdom. Enjoying the journey and valuing presence over pressure are often seen as signs of balance and emotional intelligence.
High unpredictability tolerance: Brazilians tend to be more comfortable letting things unfold organically rather than forcing outcomes.
Relationship-focused culture: Trust is personal and rushing can damage credibility and warmth, both essential for collaboration in Brazil.
11. "When drinking water, remember its source." – Vietnam
This Vietnamese proverb is a reminder of gratitude and respect for one’s roots. It is often cited in schools, family teachings, and even in national discourse. It reflects an emphasis on honoring one’s elders, ancestors, teachers, and those who paved the way for you.
Cultural values revealed:
High power distance: Respect for elders, teachers, and historical continuity of superiors passing down knowledge, wisdom, and leadership to juniors.
Relationship-based trust: You are expected to contribute to and, to an extent, repay the well-being of those who supported you.
Historical consciousness: The past is ever-present in the Vietnamese mindset, shaping identity and social behavior.
These sayings aren’t just clever turns of phrase. They’re microcosms of entire worldviews. They encode centuries of experience, assumptions, and values in just a few words. For anyone working across cultures, whether you’re leading a global team, adapting a message for a new market, or simply trying to build trust with colleagues who think differently, knowing local proverbs can be powerful clues.
Interested in unlocking more cultural insights to work more efficiently with your global teams? Visit www.culturecommsconsulting.com to explore how we can help you build trust, communicate clearly, and lead effectively in multinational environments.
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