What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over
Meaning: We only suffer from what we know about; ignorance can sometimes bring a measure of peace.
Origin: A medieval proverb, quoted in Latin in a sermon credited to Saint Bernard as quod non videt oculus cor non dolet — what the eye does not see, the heart does not grieve. James Kelly's Scottish Proverbs (1721) has "What the eye sees not, the heart rues not."
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German
- French: Ce que l'œil ne voit pas, le cœur n'en souffre pas (literally: What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't suffer over)
- Spanish: Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente (literally: Eyes that don't see, heart that doesn't feel)
- Japanese: 見えないものは気にならない (Mienai mono wa ki ni naranai) (literally: What you can't see doesn't worry you)
- German: Was ich nicht weiß, macht mich nicht heiß (literally: What I don't know doesn't make me hot (doesn't bother me))
More proverbs about Human Nature
- We are what we repeatedly do — Character and identity are shaped not by occasional acts but by consistent daily habits.
- Rain does not fall on one roof alone — Hardship and misfortune are universal; no single person suffers alone.
- You can't see the forest for the trees — Being too focused on small details can prevent you from seeing the overall picture.
- The wolf changes his coat but not his character — Surface appearances can change, but a person's fundamental nature remains the same.
- Not all who wander are lost — Those who explore unconventional paths may have a deeper sense of direction than it appea…
- Every person is a mirror to another — We see our own nature reflected in how we treat others and how others respond to us.
From our compliments & insults
- Cabeça de alho chocho — A forgetful scatterbrain whose thoughts won't stay put.
- Tu es mon rayon de soleil — A warm way to tell someone they brighten your day.
- Joli comme un cœur — Utterly charming or adorable.