proverb · Words worth keeping
Do not laugh at the snake because it crawls on its belly.
Do not laugh at the snake because it crawls on its belly.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Mocking a snake for crawling judges it by a movement that belongs to its nature. The saying questions ridicule of difference.
Example
Someone changes an inaccessible meeting arrangement instead of mocking how a participant moves.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A responsible human application rejects contempt based on a body or way of moving. The animal image does not establish biology or equate people with animals. Different abilities and practices deserve fair consideration rather than a single imposed standard.
When to use it
Use it to question ridicule of bodily or practical differences.
Keep in mind
No biological finding or ranking of human worth by movement is established.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
South Africa
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- South Africa