Small things affect light minds.

Meaning: Trivial matters preoccupy the intellectually shallow while serious thinkers remain focused on substance.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Wisdom

• Speculation completes what extravagance began. — Unfounded assumptions compound the damage already caused by reckless spending.
• He would split a hair. — Obsessive attention to trivial distinctions wastes effort on meaningless differences.
• Stolen kisses are sweet. — Illicit affection tastes delicious precisely because secrecy and danger make it thrilling…
• Store is no sore. — Abundance acquired through prudent saving prevents the pain of future scarcity and want.
• Straight trees have crooked roots. — Trees growing perfectly upright often develop twisted root systems compensating for soil…
• No striving against the stream. — Futile effort exhausts you; accepting circumstances' natural flow preserves energy for wh…

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