Best-Loved Chinese Proverbs

The appeal of Chinese proverbs has always been universal. With brevity, clarity, and simplicity, these proverbs help pass wisdom and insight throughout the ages and communicate fundamental truths about the natural world and the human condition. In addition to collecting and translating more than 300 ancient Chinese proverbs, Theodora Lau has included notes on interpretation wherever necessary to help a modern audience discover the subtleties and depth of the original language. The proverbs are divided into 26 essential categories, such as Knowledge ('By filling one's head instead of one's pocket, one cannot be robbed'), Strategy ('Do not hit the fly that lands on the tiger's head'), Love ('Love for a person must extend to the crows on his roof'), and Perseverance ('Even the tallest tower started from the ground').