Chic African Culture Africa Factbook

Beautiful Sayings of the African Elder Nation

Elders wear a garland of silver and grey to grace their heads.

African Elder

One of the most revered sources of knowledge and guidance in African cultures is the words of the Elders, who have accumulated a wealth of experience and insight throughout their lives. Their sayings are often proverbial, using metaphors, analogies, and stories to convey deep truths and lessons. 

Many people believe that the words of the Elders are inspired by the Spirits, who watch over the affairs of humans and intervene in times of need. Therefore, the Elders' words profoundly impact the hearts and minds of those who hear them, influencing their decisions, actions, and attitudes. 

The wisdom of the Elders is not static but dynamic, as it adapts to changing circumstances and contexts. It is also not exclusive but inclusive, as it welcomes new perspectives and contributions from younger generations. The words of the Elders are a precious heritage that has been preserved and transmitted through oral tradition for centuries, and they continue to shape our worldview and values today.

African Elder

Ten African Elders' proverbial words

A bird that flies off the earth and lands on an anthill is still on the ground. 

If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents. 

The one who loves an unsightly person is the one who makes him beautiful. 

The wise create proverbs for fools to learn, not to repeat. 

A family is like a forest, when you are outside it is dense, when you are inside you see that each tree has its place. 

The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth. 

The lion does not turn around when a small dog barks. 

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. 

He who learns, teaches. 

When there is peace in the country, the chief does not carry a shield. 

Beautiful Sayings of the African Elder Nation
The house is not too small if husband and wife are in harmony.
Elder of a greater age sayings

African proverbs are common African sayings used by honored ancestry.

You cannot take two skins from one goat.

A day wasted on others is not wasted on yourself.

It is better to carry an empty sack than to have the devil in it.

Even the devil knows what is right, but he will not do it.

The garden needs no prayers, just rain.

Who spends much will soon beg.

It is better to weep with the wise than to sing with the fool.

The house is not too small if husband and wife are in harmony.

Elders wear a garland of silver and grey to grace their heads.


The influence of African Elders over the hearts and lives of people was second only to the words from Spirits.

The ancestors' words are like a treasure that guides us in our life journey. They are not mere sayings but expressions of the Spirit's voice that resonates in our souls. We honor and cherish these proverbs as gifts from our forefathers, who learned them from the Spirit's teachings. They help us to understand ourselves, our culture, and our place in the cosmos.


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