“Be the head of a wasp rather than the tail of a lion.”
It is better to be small but in control of your own fate than great but subordinate.
— Traditional Mongolia Wisdom, Mongolia
Source: Traditional Mongolia proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Mongolia
If the cairn were not built, the magpie wouldn't have perched.
Every outcome depends on the effort and preparation that came before it.
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A cat likes to eat fresh fish, but it will not go into the water.
People often want the reward without being willing to do the work required to earn it.
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A donkey that carries me is worth more than a horse that kicks me.
A humble, reliable helper is worth more than someone impressive but untrustworthy.
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A man fails seven times and rises eight times.
True resilience means getting up one more time than you fall.
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A tiger wearing a bell will starve.
Announcing your intentions too loudly warns your prey, or your rivals, away.
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Do not start if afraid; once begun, do not be afraid.
Weigh a decision carefully before committing, then pursue it without hesitation.
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