“Silence is an attribute of the dead; he who is alive speaks.”

Living, engaged people communicate; withdrawing into silence is a kind of death.

“Anyone who sees beauty and does not look at it will soon be poor.”

Failing to notice and appreciate the good things in life leads to a poorer existence.

“Work is the medicine for poverty.”

Labor and effort are the true remedy for hardship and want.

“A great affair covers up a small matter.”

A major issue easily overshadows and hides a lesser one.

“Anyone who plants a tree before they die has not lived in vain.”

Leaving something lasting behind gives a life meaning and purpose.

“Before you ask a man for clothes, look at the clothes that he is wearing.”

Assess a person's true circumstances before making a request of them.