Some Americans wrongly think we’re better, smarter or even more sophisticated than citizens of other nations. We have more toys, more technology, more money. Sadly, we also have more problems.

It is worthwhile to consider the value of other cultures’ wisdom. Without advanced degrees and 21st century technology, even the less advanced cultures around the world have wisdom similar, even superior to our own.

I enjoy studying the “folk wisdom” of other cultures. My mother was a first generation American, the daughter of immigrants from the Netherlands and Germany. Neither of my parents could speak English when they started country school and their formal education ended after eighth grade.

Throughout my childhood, my parents expressed wisdom from my grandparents’ culture that is simple but often profound.

As my mother aged and began slowing down a bit she often quoted her mother by saying, “Sacht lopen kum vesust.” Slow walking comes by itself. When I get frustrated with age-related things that slow me down, I think of my mother who understood that these things come without outside impetus; aging comes by itself.

My mother used to say, “Luetje pot heb grot oren.” Little pots have big ears. Children hear everything. Norwegians say the same thing this way: “Små gryter har også ører.” Small pots also have ears.

Africa is a continent of many cultures and proverbs that express similar truths. An African proverb that should readily be understood by our own culture reads: “A child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” American social workers dealing with troubled children will understand this.

Africa’s South Sudan is considered the poorest country in the world. Yet, South Sudan culture is rich with folk wisdom. One that is readily relevant to our culture: “Changing your mind is not being a liar.” Even the clearest evidence doesn’t change the minds of many Americans.

Years ago I learned a little poem: “Don’t make love by the neighbor’s gate; love is blind but the neighbors ain’t.” My Low German ancestors would say, “Leev makt blind.” Love makes blind. Many folks blinded by love have paid a dear price for it.

In a recent discussion about beauty, a friend quoted the old adage, “Beauty is skin deep but ugly goes all the way to the bone.” The Dutch say it with humor: “Al draagt een aap een gouden ring, het is en blijft een lelijk ding.” Translated: A monkey may wear a golden ring, but it will always be an ugly thing.

We English-speakers like to say, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” The Chinese say the same thing more poetically: “Sài W�”ng shī mǎ, yān zhī f�”i fú.” The old man of the frontier lost his horse; how could one know it wasn’t a blessing? In my heritage, folks say, “Een man’s dot ist anner man’s brot.” One man’s death is another man’s bread.

I have often heard wood workers say, “Measure twice, cut once.” That’s good advice for life in general and other cultures have the same proverb. In Russia, however, they say, “Sem’ raz otmer,’ odin otrezh;” measure seven times before cutting once.

From a young age I was taught and understood the biblical admonition, “You reap what you sow.” In Brazil you will hear people say, “Quem semeia vento, colhe tempestade.” Those who sow wind, reap the storm.

Years ago my father, who lived a life of integrity, gave each of his four sons a small plaque that bore an inscription touting the value of a good name. The French teach the same thing with a proverb: “Bonne renommée vaut mieux que ceinture dorée.” A good name is better than a (great treasure.”)

Our Native American neighbors have a rich treasury of folk wisdom. One of my favorites comes from the Cherokee nation: “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.”

Living in modern-day America it’s easy to assume that we have THE handle on life. Much to the contrary, every culture is rich in wisdom that can benefit us all.

Arvid Huisman can be contacted at huismaniowa@gmail.com. ©2026 by Huisman Communications.