FOREST FOR THE TREES...
Phrases and sayings have been impugned over time… It's a shame, too. Most are bore of important truths and tradition. In the heat of the battle. In times of great strife. Life and death. They are part of our cultures… But just like we do with so many of our traditions.., and things of importance -- we take them for granted.
We toss them around like child speak…
The saying - "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" is said to have been originated by Knute Rockne, famous football coach. And too, by Joseph P. Kennedy, who's two sons would go on to be a part of history. Two men of distinction.., and you can bet when they said it, they didn't take it for granted.
Could you imagine sitting in the locker room -- after getting your ass handed to you, the whole first half of the game.., and the best coach in the game has to get you pumped-up to go back out there -- and win… And the words that come out of his mouth, with a tenacity, a passion so great -- "When the going gets tough, the tough get going"
I don't think he was taking it for granted…
Or...
The saying -- "Win one for the Gipper" comes from the night Knute Rockne visited a player in the hospital the night he died… And the player, George Gipp.., said to him -- "One day there would be a game that Rockne wanted more than anything; tell them, Gipp said, to go win one for the Gipper."
I don't think he took it for granted lying on his deathbed.
"The pen is mightier than the sword"
The phrase: "The pen is mightier than the sword"… Is the motto for numerous colleges and scholastic institutions. And has been around since 500 BC.., and the meaning behind it immense. To utter such words must be insane.., was a common response. But to thinking men and women, it was the path to victory and revelation.
And it shows up in different cultures throughout history. The most famous among us have had uttered some sort of translation from; Mohammad to Shakespeare. Euripides to Napoleon. Thomas Jefferson to Eminem.
These "phrases" "sayings" "proverbs" didn't just have meaning.., they were said with such passion, fervor, intensity, sincerity, elegance, heart, reverence, emotion, knowledge and wisdom. They were said in times, when people were pushed to the precipice -- teetering on the edge of greatness.
They embodied so much more than just the words… They captured a moment time, brilliantly. They inspired and led men and women to achieve and succeed. To push past the norms that society dictates.., and embrace the struggle -- the fight.., to exceed their wildest expectations.
They meant something…
Even what sounded like the most simple: "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" had and has a meaning much deeper than it's words might dictate. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" is a beautiful expression of love, that has been used by romantics and people alike, in times of heartfelt emotion, as lovers parted.
"Can't see the forest for the trees…"
"Can't see the forest for the trees…" This phrase, group of words.., has been around since 1546. Created by a English playwright, John Heywood, who is responsible for many "sayings" you would be familiar with…
But "can't see the forest for the trees" has such a universal meaning… We get so focused on all the details of things -- everything.., because we must be right -- we must do it (whatever it is) perfectly. From politics to finance. Love and family. We get so overwhelmed by all the details.., all the bullshit -- we forget to look at the big picture.
This phrase "proverb" still has meaning.., because we still can't get past small stuff. Since 1546 people have used this "saying" in various forms (same meaning)… And guess what..? It still means the same thing.
I believe our natural state is pure bliss. But right from the moment out tiny little minds are able to comprehend anything.., it starts to get all cluttered up with all the nonsense. Sure your mortgage payment is important.., and Sally needs braces is going to cost a fortune. All this stuff is important -- but what's more important is… At least, you have a house.., and a daughter that probably loves the crap out of you.
You see, we have let the daily, mundane issues of our lives, deter us from our natural state of being -- our birthright. The happiest people I know.., are not the richest. They are the ones that have figured out how to look at the big picture. Their experience is the same as yours, only they have decided to focus on the whole.., and not get bogged down by all the rest.
I understand.., I mean, we all can see that some people are in horrendous situations… And yet, somehow they manage to look past their immediate situation (problems) to see a better day. A brighter future. When you do this.., you are giving yourself a different perspective, choosing to see the whole.., and not the obstacles in your way. So, do yourself a big favor.., and the next time you use or hear one of these time-tested "sayings…" give it the reverence it's due. What is that they say -- "Every cloud has a silver lining."
"can't see the forest for the trees" is something I repeat to myself OFTEN. Perfectionists have to battle this one daily. Great post!
Tell me about it :))
Thanks @storyseeker!
If money is the root of all evil, then a credit card is a one way ticket to hell.
Good one :))
I agree with @storyseeker. This is one that torments me daily. There's also this nice little phrase when we get in a funk about something not working out: "It's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick." But this could also happen while wandering around in the forest with your eyes closed, ha ha.
My Girlfriend always says...
"It's better than a kick in the ass with a frozen boot!"
I have no idea where she first heard that one.
Another good one :))
Because they are so true -- they can get under our skin, so easily. And yes, you have to watch out for those pointy little twigs while wandering around the forest :))
Cheers @fairytalelife!
this is a fun look at proverbs and I agree that their meanings are profound and potent despite overuse. I use the "don't count your chickens" and also "a bird in the bush isn't the same as one in the hand" most often these days. I suppose the proverbs we find ourselves using is a reflection of what's going on in our lives. I appreciate your view that our natural state is bliss. I too believe this but so often forget it and really like the reminder. thanks for another wonderful post.
I was just on a super crowded delayed train.., and I kept repeating to myself -- "forest through the trees, forest through the tress..." I started laughing my ass off :)) Thanks @natureofbeing, have a good one!
So true! It's frustrating, because as with all things, they wear out with use. It's just something that is said.. The words have no meaning. "I love you" is another one . Great post though, It actually gave me an idea for a drawing. Funny, your words have inspired me to draw as my drawing inspired words from you!
Yeah.., that "I love you" one gets tossed around like a damn beachball :)) "Funny, your words have inspired me to draw as my drawing inspired words from you!" -- how cool is that... Cheers, my friend!