I won't explain how and why I compose all these thinking innovations – proverbs, parables, songs, and tales – not because it's a secret, but because a lifetime simply wouldn't be enough to explain it. Take from them, as from this world, whatever will help you now. ~ Vadim Kotelnikov (VadiK)       KoRe Proverbs are proverb-like sayings by Vadim Kotelnikov (VadiK / Kotfucius / Wei Di)       KoRe Proverbs on Weaknesses, Enemies, Problems, Mistakes, Failures Those who stop learning, stop creating history and become history. Winners approach impossible as possible, losers approach possible as impossible. Failure is the executioner of the emotional and the teacher of the thoughtful.     The same truth births countless opinions.   Parable     A giant that stands still becomes smaller every day.   Example     When a well runs muddy, people look for a clearer spring.   Example     When purpose fades, strength follows.   Parable     When the signal weakens, even loyal listeners tune out.   Example     The truth is quiet; only lies that thrive on emotional reactivity need to shout.       The wall that confines the mind is built from its own stones.   Parable     Simplicity concentrates power, complexity drains it.   Parable     A house built on one pillar trembles when the wind changes. When the well is dug far from the village, the water tastes foreign.         A chorus without a conductor rarely sings in harmony.       When a kingdom neglects its fields, even the richest soil yields silence.         When a kingdom forgets to sharpen its tools, even the finest workshop falls silent.   Examples     The dumber the rulers, the more evil the laws.   Examples     When the load grows faster than the legs, even a strong horse begins to stumble.           When every traveler chooses a different road, the caravan moves nowhere.     I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand that others stop understanding me. Kotfucius   A ship that trusts yesterday's winds may find itself stranded in tomorrow's calm. A ship built for calm seas struggles when the winds change. A person without a dream is like a ship without a compass.     When a house is built too far from the village, its lights no longer guide the neighbors.   Example     A mill cannot grind with water that is no longer flowing. When the mill grinds unevenly, even good grain turns bitter.  When the well is dug far from the village, the water tastes foreign.     A house with uneven floors cannot support a heavy roof.   Example     A tree that forgets to grow new roots cannot stand against the coming storm.   Example     A lean startup grows not by adding more, but by removing what blocks its sunrise.   Article     A house built for yesterday cannot shelter tomorrow.