The forest would be silent if no bird sang except the one that sang best

Meaning: Everyone has a unique contribution; holding back out of self-doubt robs the world.

Origin: Attributed to Henry Van Dyke, American poet and clergyman of the 19th century.

Translations

French: La forêt serait silencieuse si aucun oiseau ne chantait sauf le meilleur (literally: The forest would be silent if only the best bird sang)
Spanish: El bosque estaría en silencio si solo cantara el pájaro que mejor canta (literally: The forest would be silent if only the best-singing bird sang)
Japanese: 最も上手く歌う鳥だけが歌うなら、森は沈黙するだろう (Mottomo umaku utau tori dake ga utau nara, mori wa chinmoku suru darō) (literally: If only the best singing bird sang, the forest would be silent)

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.
The fish sees the bait but not the hook — People are often tempted by apparent benefits while ignoring the hidden dangers.

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