The axe forgets, but the tree remembers

Meaning: Those who cause harm often forget quickly, while those who suffer carry the wound far longer.

Origin: Zimbabwean proverb from the Shona people, widely cited across sub-Saharan Africa.

Translations

• French: La hache oublie, mais l'arbre se souvient (literally: The axe forgets, but the tree remembers)
• Spanish: El hacha olvida, pero el árbol recuerda (literally: The axe forgets, but the tree remembers)
• Japanese: 斧は忘れる、しかし木は覚えている (Ono wa wasureru, shikashi ki wa oboete iru) (literally: The axe forgets, but the tree remembers)

More proverbs about Morality

• A house divided against itself cannot stand — Internal conflict destroys an organization from within; unity is essential for survival.
• Judge not, lest ye be judged — We should refrain from judging others because we ourselves are imperfect.
• If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your own path — Helping others ultimately benefits yourself as well.
• There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience — Peace of mind and restful sleep come only from living and acting honorably.
• The more laws, the less justice — Excessive rules and regulations can undermine rather than promote fairness.
• Know thyself — Self-knowledge and self-awareness are the foundation of all wisdom and right living.

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…