The Two Frogs

Two frogs dwelt in the same pool. The pool being dried up under the summer’s heat, they left it, and set out together to seek another home. As they went along they chanced to pass a deep well, amply supplied with water, on seeing which one of the frogs said to the other: “Let us descend and make our abode in this well, it will furnish us with shelter and food.” The other replied with greater caution: “But suppose the water should fail us, how can we get out again from such great a depth?”

Do nothing without a regard to the consequences.

- Aesop’s Fables, Sixth Century B.C.


Ethiopian proverb

When the great lord passes, the wise peasant bows deeply and silently farts.

- Ethiopian proverb


“Why do I not see you more often?”

A man said to Dervish: “Why do I not see you more often?” The Dervish replied, “Because the words ‘Why have you not been to see me?’ are sweeter to my ears than the words ‘Why have you come again?’”

- Mulla Jami, 1968.