savings Fon proverbs
Fon proverbs about money
Money (akwɛ́) is a universal theme in Fon proverbs. Ancestral wisdom mixes warning, pragmatism and philosophy. Here are 5 verified proverbs.
Money isn’t everything
Meaning: wealth replaces neither health, nor family, nor inner peace. Quoted to set straight someone obsessed with profit.
Sharing multiplies
Meaning: sharing with family and community brings a bigger return. A philosophy of redistribution.
Money reveals character
Meaning: a poor man is often careful; once rich, he shows who he really is. Worth pondering before big gains.
Plant before you harvest
Meaning: the Fon version of “whoever does not work does not eat”. No fortune without prior effort.
Money comes and goes
Meaning: keep things in perspective. Financial losses are cyclical; don’t panic. A philosophy of resilience.
Use
These proverbs come at the end of a family discussion about money. Saying Akwɛ́ ma nyí gbɛ̀ ǎ to a child sets them straight in one sentence.
Fon economic wisdom
These 5 proverbs cover a whole philosophy: work, sharing, humility, resilience. A financial education built into the language.
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