Welcome to Bermuda's book library

Bermuda — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Name: ZakGT Host App
Author: ZakGT

Real words from the people of Bermuda, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

Capital: HamiltonPopulation: ~64,000Founded: 1609 (Sea Venture wreck); permanent colonization 1612Region: AmericasLanguages: enCurrency: Bermudian dollar (BMD), pegged 1:1 to the US dollarQuote code: 1Quote_bm

Local time: --:--:-- (UTC-4) · --:-- UTC

🌍 Other Countries

Proverbs

“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”

It is better to hold onto something certain than to risk losing it while chasing something uncertain but seemingly greater.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Actions speak louder than words.”

What a person actually does reveals more about their character than what they merely say.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“All that glitters is not gold.”

Something that looks valuable or impressive on the surface may not truly be so underneath.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“The early bird catches the worm.”

Those who act promptly and prepare ahead of others gain the greatest advantage.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“A stitch in time saves nine.”

Fixing a small problem right away prevents it from growing into a much bigger one later.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.”

Do not assume something will succeed before it is actually certain.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Every cloud has a silver lining.”

Even the most difficult situations usually contain some hidden benefit or hope.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Look before you leap.”

Think carefully about the consequences of an action before taking it.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Practice makes perfect.”

Repeated effort and rehearsal are what ultimately produce skill and mastery.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Honesty is the best policy.”

Telling the truth is always wiser and more rewarding in the end than deception.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Where there is a will, there is a way.”

Strong determination can overcome even the most difficult obstacles.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“The pen is mightier than the sword.”

Ideas and words expressed through writing can have greater lasting influence than force or violence.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Necessity is the mother of invention.”

Difficult or urgent circumstances often inspire people to find creative solutions.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Two wrongs don't make a right.”

Responding to wrongdoing with more wrongdoing never truly resolves the injustice.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“You can't judge a book by its cover.”

A person or thing should not be judged only by outward appearance.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“When it rains, it pours.”

Difficulties often seem to arrive all at once rather than one at a time.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

Quo Fata Ferunt

“Whither the Fates Carry Us.”

Bermuda's official national motto, expressing that the island's fate and future are guided by forces beyond human control — a fitting emblem for a colony founded by an accidental 1609 shipwreck.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Bermuda Coat of Arms and national motto, adopted by Royal Warrant 1910, Government of Bermuda official symbols

“I have been a slave myself — I know what slaves feel — I can tell by myself what other slaves feel, and by what they have told me.”

Prince asserts that her own lived experience of slavery gives her testimony a credibility no outside observer could claim.

Mary Prince

Source: Mary Prince, The History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave, Related by Herself (London, 1831)

“All slaves want to be free — to be free is very sweet.”

A direct rebuttal to pro-slavery claims that enslaved people were content in bondage, insisting that the desire for freedom is universal.

Mary Prince

Source: Mary Prince, The History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave, Related by Herself (London, 1831)

“The man that says slaves be quite happy in slavery — that man is either ignorant or a lying person.”

Prince directly challenges pro-slavery propaganda that claimed enslaved people were content, calling such claims dishonest or uninformed.

Mary Prince

Source: Mary Prince, The History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave, Related by Herself (London, 1831)

“A penny saved is a penny earned.”

Careful saving is just as valuable as careful earning; money not spent is money gained.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Don't put all your eggs in one basket.”

Spread risk across multiple efforts or investments rather than depending entirely on a single one.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“The grass is always greener on the other side.”

Other people's circumstances often look more appealing than one's own, even when they are not actually better.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Adapt to the customs and behavior of wherever you happen to be.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Rome wasn't built in a day.”

Significant achievements take time and cannot be rushed.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.”

Children often resemble their parents in character, habits, or ability.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Curiosity killed the cat.”

Being too inquisitive about things that do not concern you can lead to trouble.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Better safe than sorry.”

It is wiser to take precautions than to risk regret later.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“You can't have your cake and eat it too.”

You cannot enjoy two incompatible benefits at the same time.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

Being separated from someone often increases affection for them.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Beggars can't be choosers.”

Those in need must accept what is offered rather than demand something better.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Birds of a feather flock together.”

People with similar interests or character tend to associate with one another.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Don't bite the hand that feeds you.”

Do not harm or offend someone who supports or provides for you.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Don't cry over spilled milk.”

There is no use being upset over a mistake or loss that cannot be undone.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Every dog has its day.”

Everyone eventually gets a moment of success or recognition.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Great minds think alike.”

Intelligent or capable people often arrive at the same ideas independently.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“If it ain't broke, don't fix it.”

There is no need to change something that is already working well.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“It takes two to tango.”

Certain conflicts or arrangements require the involvement of more than one person to happen.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Laughter is the best medicine.”

Humor and joy can ease hardship and improve wellbeing.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Money doesn't grow on trees.”

Money is earned through effort and should not be spent carelessly.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Out of sight, out of mind.”

People or things that are no longer visible are easily forgotten.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Two heads are better than one.”

Two people working together can solve problems more effectively than one alone.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.”

You can give someone the opportunity to do something, but you cannot force them to act on it.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Blood is thicker than water.”

Family bonds and loyalty are typically stronger than other relationships.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Knowledge is power.”

Understanding and information give a person genuine strength and advantage.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Let sleeping dogs lie.”

Avoid stirring up old conflicts or problems that have already settled down.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“No man is an island.”

No person is entirely self-sufficient; everyone depends on others and community.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Old habits die hard.”

Long-established behaviors are difficult to change.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Silence is golden.”

Sometimes saying nothing is wiser or more valuable than speaking.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

“Slow and steady wins the race.”

Consistent, careful effort ultimately succeeds over haste or short bursts of speed.

Traditional Bermuda Wisdom

Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain

The story of Bermuda

Bermuda's story begins not with a native people but with a shipwreck. Spanish explorer Juan de Bermudez sighted the uninhabited archipelago around 1505, and it was named for him long before anyone settled there. In 1609 the English ship Sea Venture, sailing to resupply the Jamestown colony, wrecked on Bermuda's reefs during a hurricane; its stranded passengers became the islands' first residents and are widely thought to have inspired Shakespeare's play "The Tempest". The Virginia Company formally colonized Bermuda in 1612, founding St George's Town as its first capital , today the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bermuda's House of Assembly first convened in 1620, making it one of the world's oldest continuous parliaments. The islands became a Crown colony in 1684, and Hamilton replaced St George's as capital in 1815. Long a strategic naval base and shipping crossroads, Bermuda built its modern wealth on offshore insurance, finance, and tourism, gaining internal self-government under a new constitution in 1968 while remaining the oldest self-governing British Overseas Territory. Today Bermuda blends British institutions with African and Caribbean heritage from centuries of settlement, and a small, close-knit population that punches well above its weight.

Timeline — key moments

circa 1505
Spanish explorer Juan de Bermudez sights the uninhabited islands, which take his name.
1609
The English ship Sea Venture wrecks on Bermuda's reefs; survivors become the first English residents.
1612
The Virginia Company colonizes Bermuda; St George's Town is founded as the first capital.
1620
Bermuda's House of Assembly first convenes, becoming one of the world's oldest continuous parliaments.
1684
Bermuda becomes a British Crown colony.
1815
Hamilton replaces St George's as the colonial capital.
1968
A new constitution grants Bermuda internal self-government.
1970
The Bermudian dollar replaces the Bermudian pound, pegged 1:1 to the US dollar.
2021
Triathlete Dame Flora Duffy wins Bermuda's first-ever Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games.

Top 10 things to know about Bermuda

Bermuda is one of the oldest self-governing British Overseas Territories, with internal self-government since 1968.
Its House of Assembly, first convened in 1620, is one of the oldest continuous parliaments in the world.
Bermuda sits in the North Atlantic, not the Caribbean , about 650 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
The territory is a chain of about 7 main islands and roughly 170 smaller islets atop an extinct volcano.
Bermuda has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, driven by offshore insurance, reinsurance, and tourism.
The Bermudian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, and both currencies circulate side by side.
Bermuda's famous pink sand beaches get their color from crushed red foraminifera shells mixed with white coral sand.
St George's, the original 1612 capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the Americas.
"Bermuda shorts," worn with a blazer and knee socks, are an official part of the territory's business dress code.
In 2021, triathlete Dame Flora Duffy became the smallest nation or territory ever to win an Olympic gold medal.

Famous people from Bermuda

Sir George Somers

Admiral

English admiral whose flagship Sea Venture wrecked on Bermuda's reefs in 1609, leading directly to the islands' first permanent settlement.

Brian BurlandAuthor

Novelist

Bermuda's first internationally acclaimed novelist; author of "Undertow" and "A Fall From Aloft".

Dame Lois Browne-Evans

Lawyer & politician

Bermuda's first female barrister (1953) and first female Attorney-General (1999); also the first female Leader of the Opposition in the British Commonwealth.

Dame Flora Duffy

Triathlete

Olympic gold medalist at the Tokyo Games (2021) , Bermuda's first Olympic gold and the smallest nation/territory ever to win one.

Say it in Bermuda's language

Hello

heh-LOH

Hi (informal)

Thank you

THANK-yoo

Did you know?

★Bermuda gave its name to the Bermuda Triangle, the stretch of the Atlantic linked in popular culture to unexplained disappearances.
★The 1609 wreck of the Sea Venture on Bermuda's reefs is widely thought to have inspired Shakespeare's play "The Tempest".
★Despite its small size, Bermuda's House of Assembly has met continuously since 1620 , centuries longer than the parliaments of many far larger nations.

Bermuda culture

Gombey dancing , masked, drum-driven street performance blending West African, Caribbean, and British military traditions , is performed at Boxing Day and other holidays.
"Bermuda shorts," worn with a jacket, tie, and knee socks, are a globally recognized and locally serious part of business dress.
Cup Match, a two-day cricket holiday at the end of July/start of August, is Bermuda's biggest annual celebration.
Fish chowder laced with black rum and sherry peppers is considered the national dish.

Why read Bermuda's books

Bermuda's literary voice is small but distinct , from Brian Burland's colonial-era novels to a modern wave of writers exploring race, identity, and island life. Reading Bermuda's books opens a window onto one of the Atlantic's oldest English-speaking societies.