Italian Words of Wisdom

Photo from ytravelblog.com

I decided to compile words of wisdom from various peoples - sayings that not only characterise a particular nation's outlook on life, but also vividly reflect its mentality. This time, the richness of sayings from Italy. From such a vital people as the Italians - passionate, vibrant and distinctive - each of us can learn something.

• When the game is over, both the king and the pawn go back into the same box.

• Revenge is a dish best served cold.

• Better to live one day as a lion than a hundred years as an old sheep.

• A guest is like a fish - after three days it starts to smell.

• Life is like a Christmas tree - there will always be someone who breaks the baubles.

• God, save me from my friends; I can deal with my enemies myself.

• He who knows himself knows the whole world.

• Nothing is impossible if you truly want it.

• Do not judge a person by what others say about them.

• Wine and friendship, if they are not old, are not worth a penny.

• If you are lying, keep it short.

• From time to time, tolerate fools in your company - you may learn something valuable from them. But never get into an argument with them.

• An enemy is most dangerous when he appears already defeated.

• There are two ways to argue with a woman. Neither works.

• Beauty without kindness is like wine that has turned.

• Born a donkey, you will not die a horse.

• There is no worse work than doing and redoing.

• Want to be appreciated? Die!

• No one wants to be alone, not even in paradise.

• Everything is from God, except woman.

• Love, fire and a cough - you cannot hide them from people.

• In the war of love, the one who leaves first wins.

• It is not enough to HAVE money - you must also know how to spend it.

• Ageing without haste is the key to longevity.

• Only a true friend will tell you that your face is in the mud.

• Don't touch a problem until the problem touches you.

• The world belongs to the patient.

• Hope is a good breakfast, but a poor supper.

• Do not test the depth of a river with both feet.

• In the country you arrive in, act according to local customs.

• There will be no peace in the henhouse where the rooster is silent but the hens are cackling.

• Another person's advice - either accept it or reject it, but never abandon your own.

• God loves to speak with those who are silent.

• Years change a person more than books do.

• What is meant for you, no one will take away.