The International Monetary Fund has placed China as the world’s largest economy as measured by purchasing power parity.
Looking at the growing percentage of middle-class Chinese and corresponding decrease of citizens in poverty, as well as the total number of successful Chinese entrepreneurs on the world stage, perhaps there is value in turning to the wisdom of the ancient Chinese to help us make better financial and business decisions.
Here are 8 of our favourite proverbs that are still highly relevant in today’s modern world.
#1 The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now
Chinese: 种植一棵供人乘凉的树，最好是在二十年前，但错过了那次机会，最佳的时机便是当下。
Many observations and lessons can be gleaned from this deceptively simple saying.
First, the observation that accomplishing worthy and great things take a long time. In our context, we can think of preparing for retirement, saving up for your child’s education, and even attending courses to improve yourself.
Read Also: Investing In Yourself: Here’s What Every Student Needs To Know Before Entering The Working World
Following the recognition that great things take a long time to accomplish, the first sentence emphasises the importance of having foresight to plan ahead for one’s needs, way before the day of need comes.
For those who had not been conscientious in anticipating and preparing for one’s future, the first sentence can be likened to a strict reprimand.
This balanced out by the ensuing sentence, which tells the reader not to cry over spilt milk. What’s done is done. It is also a reminder that it is never too late to begin, right here and now.
Thus, this ancient saying emphasises the importance of forward thinking and planning, as well as taking decisive action in the present moment.
#2 Deep doubts, deep wisdom; small doubts, little wisdom
Chinese: 疑惑深，智慧深；疑惑浅，智慧浅。
The way to wisdom and knowledge is to be ever curious, seeking and learning. This proverb is inspiring because it affirms that in the long run, it is the spirit of continual learning and self-improvement that allows one to be an expert.
It does not matter how little we know now, but rather, it is the thirst and hunger for knowledge that will determine how wise a person we will eventually be.
There is also an element of critical thinking too – to not accept blindly what we are told but to be sceptical as we separate fact from fiction, truth from falsehood.
#3 As a man cannot be understood just by his looks, neither can the sea be fathomed by a cup
Chinese: 凡人不可貌相, 海水不可斗量
This proverb cautions us of the dangers of judging things by appearance. In all things, like financial products and “investment opportunities”, we cannot just take things based on what is sold or promoted to us, but rather, we need to go deeper and understand the essence of things.
Its also about substance over appearance. Rather than define success as driving a new luxury car and staying in a condominium, it would be better to concentrate on what lies beneath the surface, which may not be immediately apparent. These include being insured for catastrophic events in life, having the time to take care of your family and health, and other intangibles.
A successful person isn’t necessarily the one whose Instagram feed looks the most enviable or exciting.
#4 A bad craftsman blames his tools
Chinese: 拙匠总怪工具差
Everyone makes mistakes, and there are bound to be occasions where things don’t go our way.
However, to be sour and merely pin the blame on external things like markets, our financial advisors, or the government does not help us avoid the same fate in future.
Rather, by taking ownership of what has happened, and being determined to learn from the experience, we can be more ‘skilled’ at creating what we envisioned.
In a market downturn, there are people who would stand to make alot of money, or at least have their downsides protected. To say that the stock market is a scam just because we lost money is an example of avoiding introspection and not reflecting on our weaknesses and shortcomings.
#5 A small hole not mended in time will become a big hole, which is much more difficult to mend
Chinese: 小洞不补，大洞吃苦
In just eight words, it is explained that if a trivial problem is not solved in a timely manner, it will grow to become a serious one and cause lot of misery.
The lesson here is not to allow problems to sit and fester. Problems like not paying down high-interest debts, overspending beyond your means, or problem gambling can spiral into a vicious cycle of financial ruin. Nib them in the bud.
The proverb also hints at the importance of timing. By taking action at the right time, we can accomplish much more, with the same effort. Conversely, if we missed the window of opportunity, we may end up expending much more effort and resources to accomplish the same, or worse, result.
Read Also: Cannot Cope With Loan Repayments? Here Are 3 Legal Avenues You Can Turn To For Managing Debts
#6 An oil lamp becomes brighter after rubbing, concepts becomes clearer after being discussed
Chinese: 灯不拨不亮，理不辩不明
When trying to comprehend a complicated problem, only by discussion and exchange of ideas with others can we gain insights and understanding.
Sometimes, spectators in a game see more of the game than the players. When we are deeply vested in our own situation, we may not be able to view things rationally or have a comprehensive overview of things.
By sharing our situation and thoughts with others, we can benefit from their views and gain a broader, more accurate perspective of our own situation.
There is also an element of being humble enough to seek the counsel of others.
#7 When rich, think of poverty, but don’t think of riches when you are poor
Chinese: 常将有日思无日，莫将无时想有时
Here, we are reminded to always be frugal, even in times of prosperity. To assume that one’s prosperity and fortunes will last is a foolish way to live. In fact, it is during the good times that we should prepare ourselves for leaner times.
On the flip side, it does not do us any good to be obsessed with being rich when we are in humble circumstances. The reason for this is twofold.
Firstly, a blind quest to strike it rich can cause us to be reckless. It is precisely when we are not wealthy that we cannot afford to take risks with our money.
Secondly, an unhealthy fixation with wealth disregards the non-monetary treasures in one’s life, like family bonds, health, quality relationships with others, and even the simple but wonderful joys of nature.
Read Also: How You Can Start An Emergency Fund As Soon As Possible
#8 Dripping water pierces a stone; a saw made of rope cuts through wood
Chinese: 水滴石穿, 绳锯木断
Small efforts, though seemingly insignificant, when coupled with patience and persistence can accomplish great feats.
Whether its saving and investing for financial freedom, or to take your loved ones on a round-the-world holiday, or clearing the mountain of debt you have, do not underestimate and neglect the small efforts you make each day.
Every dollar you save, every dollar you earn, every dollar you invest – they can literally compound over time and grow immensely.
Don’t be discouraged. Keep making steady efforts each day, every day, and you will get there!
Read Also: Why Investing Has Always Been A Marathon, Not A Sprint
What are the other proverbs or idioms from the ancient Chinese or other cultures that you’re fond of? Share with us in the comments below or at our Facebook Page!
Listen to our podcast, where we have in-depth discussions on finance topics that matter to you.
Advertiser Message
Switch, spend & score up to S$750 with DBS
Power up your payday with up to S$750! Credit your salary to DBS/POSB to get S$300. Apply & spend with DBS Live Fresh Card to earn up to S$450 more. Register by 30 June 2025. T&Cs apply.
