Proverb of the month: The medicine for a rising river is to go back.
Proverb of
the month: The medicine
for a rising river is to go back.
Bhugota bho
mongo ni gushoka. (Sukuma)
Dawa ya mto ni kurudi. (Swahili)
Leo mèdicament pour une rivière en deluge est de retourner. (French)
The medicine for a rising river is to go back. (English)
This proverb, a
gem of wisdom from the Sukuma Ethnic Group, the largest ethnic group in
Tanzania in East Africa, underscores the value of caution and the perils of
recklessness. It's a reminder that the wise are cautious and avoid danger,
while fools rush in with blind confidence. The proverb urges us to be mindful
and deliberate, to consider our actions carefully and to be aware of the
passage of time. It brings to mind the importance of avoiding risky behaviours,
maintaining our health, and obeying the law.
How does this
proverb fit our present social-political context? The proverb 'The medicine for
a rising river is to go back' can be interpreted as a call to reflect on past
mistakes and make cautious decisions for the future. In our socio-political
context, this means learning from the mistakes of the past, such as electing
leaders based on empty promises or making hasty decisions without considering
the long-term consequences. This is particularly relevant in our
socio-political context, where the consequences of our actions can have
far-reaching effects. We have just witnessed the arrival of 2025 after bidding
farewell to 2014. 2014 came with ups and downs, offering positive and negative
experiences; perhaps we need to ask ourselves how much we have learnt from
those bad situations. Mistakes are an inevitable part of humans, the necessary
lessons of life. It becomes uncommendable when we allow ourselves to be victims
of the same mistakes. How about those juicy jobs, reputable friends, and
lucrative business opportunities we lost in 2024 due to our recklessness,
irrational and quick decisions or indecision? How often did I collect sickening
stipends and those degrading gifts from my heartless, shrewd leaders and
masquerading politicians who smile at me or shake my hands only when elections
approach? Are those vote-buying bars of soap, sachets of indomie, bags
of rice, fufu and other palliatives that politicians distribute before
elections enough to guarantee my economic future and the socio-economic and
political survival of my children and the generations after them? It is said
that children who play with fire are likely to burn themselves. Have you asked
yourself how often your choices in life have burned you?
The first step
towards success is acknowledging our mistakes and learning from them. 2014 is
behind us, and not everyone who started the journey with us is still here. But
we have reason to be hopeful and optimistic, regardless of the setbacks we've
faced. The power to change our circumstances this year is partly in our hands.
It's not about blaming others or circumstances, but about taking personal
responsibility for our actions and making better choices. This sense of
responsibility empowers us to shape our future and assures us that we can
always find a way out of difficult situations.
Let's not start
the year by dwelling on the past, but instead look forward to the future with
optimism. It's never too late to make a change, and that change is not as
distant as we might think. Like the Sukuma Ethnic Group, let's make
cautiousness and carefulness our guiding principles, while also being mindful
of the passage of time. Every moment wasted brings us closer to our end, and
every hasty decision made without careful thought could lead to disaster. We
must strike a balance. Let's not be fools who rush into danger with blind
confidence. This emphasis on caution and carefulness keeps us alert and mindful
in our decisions.
Once we have learnt that the medicine for a rising river is to go back, we will more likely avoid drowning in the forceful river of life.