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We often think wealth comes from accumulation. We earn money, buy things, acquire knowledge, gatekeep success secrets, build collections, save resources but there is a profound paradox. Things that we hold too tightly are often lost without being properly used. An old proverb that explains this paradox beautifully is associated with Georgian literature.Today’s Georgian proverb of the day is: That which we give makes us richer; that which is hoarded is lost.Medieval poet Shota Rustaveli wrote this profound statement in his epic work The Knight in the Panther’s Skin. Written in the 12th or 13th century, this work belongs to the Georgian Golden Age. Set in India and Arabia, the fictional masterpiece tells the story of two heroes Avtandil and Tariel, and their quest to find the object of love, Nestan-Darejan, an allegorical embodiment of Queen Tamar.Coming back to the proverb, it teaches the actual meaning of riches, which is not possession but holds a different value. True wealth is not measured by what sits in our hands but by what flows through them. The things we share become part of a larger story. They shape other lives, influence future generations, and create meaning beyond ourselves.When we give, whether it is wealth, knowledge, or love, we transform stagnant resources into active connections. There are similar sayings in many other countries and cultures that what we give comes back to us manifold. And what we do not give goes to waste as they don’t live on after our death.
Money, knowledge, love: How the Georgian proverb applies to everything
The medieval proverb rings true even for material wealth. For example, money that sits stagnant in a vault loses its economic power and purchasing value to inflation. More importantly, it loses its utility. Wealth is only as good as the good it can do.If a master craftsman or a brilliant scientist refuses to share their insights out of fear of competition, that knowledge dies with them. It becomes utterly useless. When taught to others, however, it multiplies and evolves.You cannot save up love for a rainy day by withholding it now. Emotional hoarding leads to isolation. Affection, empathy, and kindness only truly exist and grow when they are actively spent on others.The main takeaway from these words of wisdom is that every physical possession is temporary.
