“If you must be a servant, serve the rich; if you must be a dog, let it be a temple dog.”
If a lowly position cannot be avoided, choose the one that offers the most dignity, security, or respect.
— Traditional Laos Wisdom, Laos
Source: proverbicals.com, "Laotian Proverbs"
More Proverbs from Laos
When the buffalo dies it leaves its horns behind; when a person dies they leave their name behind.
A person's reputation and good name outlast their life, so it is worth guarding.
Traditional Laos Wisdom
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One may know a face without ever knowing the heart.
Outward appearance reveals nothing about a person's true intentions or character.
Traditional Laos Wisdom
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When the water rises, hurry and scoop it.
Take advantage of favorable conditions while they last, because they will not remain forever.
Traditional Laos Wisdom
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Slowly, slowly, and one gets a fine knife.
Patience and careful work produce a better result than rushing a job.
Traditional Laos Wisdom
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A distant buffalo always seems to have a long tail.
Things and people far away seem more impressive than they really are; distance flatters what is unfamiliar.
Traditional Laos Wisdom
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When the water rises, the fish eat the ants; when the water recedes, the ants eat the fish.
Fortune and power shift with circumstance, and today's victim can become tomorrow's victor.
Traditional Laos Wisdom
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