African Proverbs

A feeble effort will not fulfill the self (Dogon)

If words fail no others will avail (Zimbabwe)

A student doesn't know about masterhood but a master knows about studenthood (Mandinka)

Having a good discussion is like having riches (Kenya)

Every time an old man dies it is as if a library has burnt down
-Chiek Oumar Ba- (Mandinka West Africa)

Words are spoken with their shells, let the wise man come to shuck them (West African, Mossi)

Lack of knowledge is darker than night (Nigeria, Hausa)

A child who's hand is clean may eat with the elders (Mandinka)

Justice today, injustice tomorrow, that is not good government (Ghana, Asante)

If you want someone more knowledgeable than yourself to identify a bird you do not first remove the feathers. (When consulting an elder it is not proper to withhold information)

Until Lions have their own historians tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter (Igbo, Nigeria)

The family is like the forest, if you are outside it is dense, if you are inside you see that each tree has its own position (Akan).