Even the sun has its spots
Meaning: Nothing and nobody is perfect; even the greatest things have their flaws.
Origin: Not a Chinese proverb, as often claimed: "there are spots even on the sun" is an English and European saying, said to go back to the 18th century, with a Swedish version as well. Japanese expresses the same idea as tama ni kizu, a flaw in a jewel.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German
- French: Même le soleil a ses taches (literally: Even the sun has its spots)
- Spanish: Hasta el sol tiene manchas (literally: Even the sun has its spots)
- Japanese: 太陽にも黒点がある (Taiyō ni mo kokuten ga aru) (literally: Even the sun has sunspots)
- German: Auch die Sonne hat ihre Flecken (literally: The sun too has its spots)
More proverbs about Human Nature
- The forest would be silent if no bird sang except the one that sang best — Everyone has a unique contribution; holding back out of self-doubt robs the world.
- As the twig is bent, so grows the tree — Early experiences and upbringing shape a person's lifelong character and habits.
- If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together — Short-term speed comes from solitude; long-term achievement comes from collaboration.
- A bad workman always blames his tools — Incompetent people blame external factors for their failures instead of taking responsibi…
- Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow — Happiness multiplies and burdens lighten when shared with others.
- A hungry stomach has no ears — People cannot focus on anything else when their most basic needs are unmet.