In a world full of data, reports and presentations, popular wisdom reminds us of something simple: often, the deepest truths lie in a few well-chosen words.
Proverbs, idioms and sayings handed down through generations are little capsules of experience. They arise from everyday life, from the countryside and cities, from families and shops. They recount the mistakes, successes, fears and hopes of those who came before us.
“Popular wisdom” explores how these seemingly simple phrases can guide today’s choices: in work, relationships and leadership.
Each proverb is a different lens through which to observe responsibility, prudence, courage and collaboration.
Behind a colourful saying often lies a whole manual of risk management, operational common sense and respect for others.
This section brings yesterday’s sayings into dialogue with today’s challenges: from time management to trust in the team, from haste to difficult decisions. It shows how the wisdom of grandmothers and old masters can still illuminate meetings, negotiations and strategic choices.
As you read these quotes, let yourself be provoked by their simplicity.
What are they suggesting, in concrete terms, for the way you lead, collaborate and make decisions?
Let popular wisdom become a practical compass: a few clear and direct words to remind us where we really want to go.
“One always cooks thinking of someone, otherwise you are just preparing food.” This saying reflects a deep aspect of Italian culture – the belief that cooking is an act of love, connection, and care. In Italy, food is more than sustenance; it is an experience meant to be shared with family, friends, and loved ones.The … Read more
“Not even a pig in a garden could cause as much damage as a fool!” “Quantu dannu fa un cretinu, mancu un porcu ‘nto jardinu!”(Ancient Sicilian adage) This old Sicilian wise saying highlights the chaos, destruction, or trouble that someone lacking wisdom or common sense might create, often inadvertently. In contrast, a pig in a … Read more
“A man without a smiling must not open a shop.”(Chinese proverb) This citation reflects a timeless piece of wisdom about the importance of demeanor in business and human interactions.At its core, it emphasizes the value of friendliness, warmth, and approachability, particularly in the context of commerce or customer service.A smiling face symbolizes positivity, openness, and … Read more
L’espressione “chi nnicchi nnacchi” è usata in Sicilia come esclamazione per dire “cosa c’entra?”.
La sua origine è latina e deriva dalla locuzione “quid hic in hac (re)?”, che letteralmente significa “cosa (c’entra) questo in questa (cosa)?”.
“Sometimes, you understand which side to be on simply by seeing who stands on the opposite side.” (Leonard Cohen)
A friend recently reminded me of the African proverb, “don’t poke a lion’s tail,” meaning: “Only raise a topic if you’re sure you can handle it or are fully prepared for the challenge.” Even before I heard this saying, I have always lived by the underlying principle: be prepared and never allow yourself to be … Read more
A friend responded to my previous post. “In Africa, we have a saying: Don’t poke a lion’s tail.” The lion won’t just jump up; it will simply eat you. The point is, if you start something, you must be prepared to see it through.Either finish him before he finishes you, or leave it alone. In … Read more
“Don’t poke the cicada’s tail.” “U’n ci tuccare u culu a’ cicala.”(Sicilian proverb) This Sicilian saying literally means not to provoke someone who reacts immediately and excessively. Just as a cicada would leap into the air at the slightest touch, a person may respond with an unnecessary overreaction. It is also used when it is … Read more
“You ate the donkey, and you got confused by the tail?” “Ti manciasti u sceccu, e ti cunfunnisti p’a cuda?”(Sicilian saying) This Sicilian saying is a colorful metaphor that speaks to the idea of someone successfully completing a large or difficult task, only to stumble or get caught up on a trivial detail at the … Read more
“The right time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” (John F. Kennedy)
This week is “Ferragosto” in Italy, a holiday that revolves around the 15th of August. Ferragosto, originally called “Feriae Augusti,” is named after the Roman Emperor Augustus (63 B.C. – 14 A.D.). The ancient Ferragosto was established to connect the main August festivities, providing a well-deserved period of rest, also known as the “Augustali,” after … Read more
These are common-sense management rules.Would you consider them appropriate also in your private life? 1) Do not expect to be undestood, expect to be misunderstood. 2) Work on the things no one else can do and delegate the rest (… and let your friends, family help you with the rest). 3) Clarify roles on your … Read more
1. No ketchup on pizza or spaghetti or whatever. Ketchup does not belong to our culture. 2. No Latte at Lunch or Dinner, it is a big, giant NO after 11 a.m. 3. No parmesan on seafood: unfortunately, some Italians do, but then again, we had so many invaders that they are probably sons of … Read more
“In sooth, when woes beset and troubles swarm, each lowly refuge shines like palace warm.” (Ancient Sicilian proverb)
“If every barking dog prompted you to throw a stone, your arms would soon be gone, all worn to the bone!” (Sicilian proverb)
“People generally quarrel because they cannot argue.” (G. K. Chesterton)
“Leave every place better than you found it.” (Robert Baden-Powell)