The cat that always cries catches no mice

Meaning: Complaining and making noise accomplishes nothing; quiet, focused effort gets results.

Origin: Japanese proverb (鳴く猫は鼠をとらぬ), highlighting the value of silent, determined action over noise.

Translations

French: Le chat qui crie toujours ne prend pas de souris (literally: The cat that always cries catches no mice)
Spanish: El gato que siempre maúlla no atrapa ratones (literally: The cat that always meows doesn't catch mice)
Japanese: 鳴く猫は鼠をとらぬ (Naku neko wa nezumi wo toranu) (literally: A meowing cat catches no mice)

The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones — Great accomplishments are only possible through gradual, persistent small efforts.
It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop — Progress at any pace is still progress; what matters is persisting, not speed.
Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance — Long-term persistence is more powerful than raw ability or brute force.
You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great — Greatness is not a prerequisite for beginning; beginning is the path to greatness.
He who limps is still walking — Even imperfect progress is still progress; do not let imperfection stop you.
Stars cannot shine without darkness — Hardship and struggle are what allow our greatest qualities to become visible.

Loading the full interactive collection…