“A leader is a donkey for others to ride.”
A person who takes on leadership carries the burdens and demands placed on them by those they lead.
— Traditional Mali Wisdom, Mali
Source: Traditional Mali proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Mali
Little by little, the bird builds its nest.
Patient, steady effort accumulates into something substantial over time.
Traditional Mali Wisdom
Read more →
Everyone's time of rising is their morning.
Each person has their own pace and season for success; do not measure yourself against another's timeline.
Traditional Mali Wisdom
Read more →
Distance from people makes relations pleasing.
A little distance can keep relationships sweet; too much closeness can wear a bond thin.
Traditional Mali Wisdom
Read more →
An empty sack doesn't stand.
Without real substance behind it, a thing or a person cannot hold themselves up.
Traditional Mali Wisdom
Read more →
Beware of the goat that is in the lion's lair.
Danger can hide inside something that looks safe or familiar; stay watchful.
Traditional Mali Wisdom
Read more →
If the hare is your enemy, admit that he can run fast.
Give your rival honest credit for their real strengths, even if you dislike them.
Traditional Mali Wisdom
Read more →