Ivya gusa bitera ubwenge buke
“Free things decrease one's intelligence.”
Relying on handouts weakens initiative and judgment.
— Traditional Burundi Wisdom, Burundi
Source: Traditional Burundi proverb, public-domain oral tradition
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Cohesion embalms.
Unity and concord preserve and strengthen a community.
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Where there is no jealousy, a small hare's skin can cover four people.
Without envy, even scarce resources stretch to serve everyone.
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Wherever Burundi points a finger, a house is built.
When the community agrees and directs its effort together, great things get accomplished.
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The crowd does not lie.
The consensus of many people is more trustworthy than one person's claim.
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Where there is peace, a billhook can be used to shave your beard.
Peace is the foundation on which every other success depends.
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A union is made of two people.
People need one another; real strength comes from partnership.
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