Proverb of the Month: A stubborn person sails in a clay boat. (English)
Proverb of the Month: A
stubborn person sails in a clay boat. (English)
Entagambirwa esabala bw’aibumba. (Haya, Tanzania)
Asiyehambilika hujabiri mto kwa mtumbwi wa udongo mfinyanzi. (Swahili)
A stubborn person sails in a clay boat. (English)
The proverb, widely known among the Haya ethnic groups in the Kagera Region in Tanzania, underscores the significance of obeying rules while condemning selfishness or self-centeredness in humans. It starkly warns of the perilous consequences of disobedience, a message that resonates across societies and serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks of non-compliance.
Laws are the foundation of social justice because they establish social order, stability, progress and development. No society can thrive or function without rules, laws, and taboos, which guide and mould it and protect individuals' rights and liberties. For instance, laws against theft and fraud reflect society's moral and ethical standards of honesty and fairness. Similarly, laws against violence uphold the societal value of peace and safety. Laws often reflect society's moral and ethical standards, guiding acceptable behaviour and promoting social responsibility. They deter wrongdoing by establishing consequences for harmful actions such as theft, fraud, and violence. This legal deterrence, which is the idea that the threat of punishment discourages people from committing crimes, helps maintain a moral and ethical society where individuals understand the boundaries of acceptable behaviour and the repercussions of crossing those boundaries.
Legal systems provide the necessary tools for addressing grievances and holding wrongdoers accountable, which is crucial in maintaining societal trust and order. By establishing a predictable framework for behaviour, laws enable individuals to anticipate and rely on others' actions, fostering a sense of security and trust within the community. This practical importance of laws in daily life not only maintains a moral and ethical society but also fosters a sense of community, contributing to its development.
Given the essential role of rules and regulations in societal normalcy, harmony, and progress, adherence to laws is a critical factor in economic growth and prosperity. This adherence ensures a structured and predictable environment where individuals can coexist peacefully and work collectively towards common goals. The economic benefits of this stability not only foster innovation and economic development but also pave the way for increased prosperity and a promising future.
The relevance of the above proverb to the socio-political reality of Africa and other developing countries is profound. A closer look at less developed societies reveals a simple truth: disobeying the law is the root cause of societal decay. For instance, corruption and fraud are rampant in many African countries, leading to declining societal values, economic progress, and political stability. The malaise in every society often manifests through selfishness, corruption, fraud, nepotism, ethnicity, and tribalism, all of which are fuelled by disobedience to laws and rules. When we disregard the rules meant to usher in stability, economic, political and social development and choose lawlessness to satisfy our aggrandisement, we set a stage for anarchy and political and economic backwardness. This disobedience also leads to environmental degradation, public health crises, and social inequality. Everyone desires to live and invest in a secure, stable environment; unfortunately, that wish is only a mirage and achievable if we make obedience to the rules our watchdog.
Obedience to laws and rules is integral to society's functioning. It underpins social order, economic stability, protection of rights, and overall societal progress. While laws and regulations must evolve with changing societal values and needs, the fundamental importance of lawfulness remains constant. For example, as society becomes more digital, data protection and cybercrime laws must be updated. Societies can achieve harmony, security, and prosperity by adhering to established rules and actively participating in updating and adapting them.
Remember that a stubborn person sails in a clay boat while we complain about the country's economic, political, and social stagnation. This metaphor illustrates that stubbornly disobeying laws is like sailing in a boat made of clay- it's bound to sink. Instead, we should embrace the rules that guide our society, as they are the sturdy ships that can carry us to progress and prosperity.