“It is the fish that begins to smell first at the head.”
Corruption or decay in an organization begins with its leaders, not its ordinary members.
— Traditional Congo-Brazzaville Wisdom, Republic of the Congo
Source: Traditional Republic of the Congo proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Republic of the Congo
All monkeys cannot hang on the same branch.
People differ in ability and status; not everyone can occupy the same position at once.
Traditional Congo-Brazzaville Wisdom
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If one is roasting two potatoes, one of them is bound to get charred.
When attention is divided between tasks, something is likely to be neglected or spoiled.
Traditional Congo-Brazzaville Wisdom
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If you walk with an elephant, the dew will not bother you.
Association with someone powerful or wise offers protection from hardship.
Traditional Congo-Brazzaville Wisdom
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Even if skinny, an elephant dares not cross over a grass bridge.
True strength is measured by more than appearance; even the mighty respect their real limits.
Traditional Congo-Brazzaville Wisdom
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When the monkey is chased away, the crazy baboon laughs.
A fool mocks another's misfortune without realizing the same fate may await him.
Traditional Congo-Brazzaville Wisdom
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The lizard runs so fast that it overtakes its own hole.
Excessive haste can cause a person to miss the very goal they were rushing toward.
Traditional Congo-Brazzaville Wisdom
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