“One tree cannot make a forest.”

Individual effort alone cannot build what a whole community builds together.

“It is better to fall while sitting than to fall while standing.”

A person who starts from humility risks far less than one who falls from a position of pride.

“Whenever you play with oil, some will remain on your fingers.”

Involvement with something, good or bad, inevitably leaves its mark on you.

“Teeth and tongue can fight but they will never stop working together to eat.”

Even those who quarrel must keep cooperating because they depend on one another.

“Drop by drop fill a gourd.”

Small, steady contributions accumulate into something substantial over time.

“No matter how far a hand wanders, it always lands on the stomach.”

Whatever a person does, basic needs and self-interest eventually bring them back home.