A hungry stomach has no ears

Meaning: People cannot focus on anything else when their most basic needs are unmet.

Origin: Latin proverb (Venter non habet aures) attributed to Cato the Elder, 2nd century BC.

Translations

• French: Un estomac affamé n'a pas d'oreilles (literally: A hungry stomach has no ears)
• Spanish: El estómago hambriento no tiene oídos (literally: A hungry stomach has no ears)
• Japanese: 空腹には耳がない (Kūfuku ni wa mimi ga nai) (literally: An empty stomach has no ears)

More proverbs about Human Nature

• The fish sees the bait but not the hook — People are often tempted by apparent benefits while ignoring the hidden dangers.
• What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over — We only suffer from what we know about; ignorance can sometimes bring a measure of peace.
• We are what we repeatedly do — Character and identity are shaped not by occasional acts but by consistent daily habits.
• Rain does not fall on one roof alone — Hardship and misfortune are universal; no single person suffers alone.
• You can't see the forest for the trees — Being too focused on small details can prevent you from seeing the overall picture.
• The wolf changes his coat but not his character — Surface appearances can change, but a person's fundamental nature remains the same.

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