proverb · Words worth keeping
Industry is fortune's right hand and frugality her left.
Industry is fortune's right hand and frugality her left.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Effort and careful use of resources can work together towards a worthwhile result. The saying values both contribution and conservation without guaranteeing success or requiring constant work and deprivation.
Example
A community group plans manageable preparation sessions and reuses suitable materials, while obtaining the items genuinely needed for accessibility and safe participation.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Fortune is imagined as using two hands: industry for active work and frugality for avoiding unnecessary waste. The image gives the two habits complementary roles rather than making either sufficient on its own. It does not establish that everyone can prosper through those habits regardless of circumstances. Resources, support and opportunities may still be limited. The useful interpretation considers whether effort is directed towards a sound purpose and whether available means are being used carefully. Frugality need not mean refusing every useful expense, just as industry need not mean working continuously without regard for capacity or other responsibilities.
When to use it
Use it when useful work and careful resource use need to support the same purpose.
Keep in mind
Neither habit guarantees prosperity; necessary spending and appropriate rest remain legitimate.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English