This contemporary Georgian proverb teaches us the true meaning of wealth.
We often think that wealth comes from accumulation. We make money, buy things, gain knowledge, keep the secrets of success, build collections, and provide resources, but there is a deep paradox.
We often lose things that we hold too tightly without using them properly. There is an old proverb that explains this paradox beautifully and is associated with Georgian literature.Today’s Georgian proverb is: What we give makes us richer; What was hoarded was lost.The medieval poet Shota Rustaveli wrote this profound statement in his epic work The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin. This work, written in the twelfth or thirteenth century, belongs to the Georgian Golden Age.
Set in India and Arabia, this fantasy masterpiece tells the story of the heroes Avtandil and Tariel, and their quest to find the object of love, Nestan Darjan, a metaphorical embodiment of Queen Tamar.Returning to the proverb, it teaches the true meaning of wealth, which is not possession but has a different value. True wealth is not measured by what is in our hands but by what flows through it. The things we share become part of a bigger story.
They shape the lives of others, influence future generations, and create meaning beyond ourselves.When we give, whether it is wealth, knowledge, or love, we transform stagnant resources into active connections. There are similar sayings in many other countries and cultures that what we give comes back to us many times over. What we do not give is in vain, because they do not live after our death.
Money, knowledge and love: how Georgian proverb It applies to everything
The medieval proverb rings true even for material wealth. For example, money that remains stagnant in a vault loses its economic power and purchasing value due to inflation.
More importantly, it loses its usefulness. Wealth is only as good as the good it can do.If a master craftsman or brilliant scientist refuses to share their ideas for fear of competition, that knowledge dies with them. It becomes completely useless. However, when it is taught to others, it multiplies and develops.You can’t save love for a rainy day by withholding it now. Emotional hoarding leads to isolation. Affection, empathy, and kindness only truly exist and grow when they are actively spent on others.The main idea of these wise words is that all physical possession is temporary.