Purposeful English

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Near Gold, then you are Gold; Near Silver, then you are Silver

Thank you for continuing to join us on our global journey for wisdom. Today’s proverb comes from China.

Shang | China

Hello, my name is Shang and I’m from China. My favorite proverb is:

Near gold, then you are gold; near silver, then you are silver

What Does it Mean?

If one is always near gold, he or she looks like gold, and perhaps someday he or she will become gold himself or herself. If one is always near silver, he or she looks like silver, and perhaps some time later, he or she will be changed into silver, too.

Why Do I Like It?

I like it because it is instructive and helpful to human being’s growth.

How Does It Relate to My Life?

I often teach my son using this proverb. I think it can help him to become a good-natured man.

More Wisdom From Around the World

Did you enjoy this proverb? If so, you might want to check out some others from this series:

Keep seeking to be your most confident, respectful, professional self in English!





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