Ivan Krylov

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

1. Why count the gossips? Better turn and look at yourself.

   The monkey laughs at the ugly face in the mirror without realizing it is her own. It is always easier to list other people's faults. Before you point, check the mirror.

   Fables, 'The Mirror and the Monkey' (1816), our translation from the Russian

2. You're grey, friend. I'm white-haired.

   The wolf, trapped, starts talking peace; the old huntsman has seen this trick before. Experience is knowing a con by its first sentence. Listen politely, then trust the years over the speech.

   Fables, 'The Wolf in the Kennel' (1812), our translation from the Russian

3. Eagles may fly lower than hens, but hens will never reach the clouds.

   Anyone can catch a great person on a low day. That does not make the critic their equal. Judge people by their best flights, and do not measure yourself by your worst.

   Fables, 'The Eagle and the Hens' (1808), our translation from the Russian

4. Sit however you like. You still won't make musicians.

   Four animals keep rearranging their chairs, sure that the seating is why the music is bad. Reorganizing is not the same as learning the skill. Stop moving the furniture and practice.

   Fables, 'The Quartet' (1811), our translation from the Russian

5. When partners don't agree, the work goes nowhere.

   The swan pulls up, the crayfish back, the pike into the water, and the cart does not move. Effort without a shared direction cancels itself out. Agree on where you are going before you pull.

   Fables, 'The Swan, the Pike and the Crayfish' (1816), our translation from the Russian

6. Don't waste words where force is needed.

   The cook lectures the cat on morality while the cat finishes the roast. Some situations call for action, not speeches. Know when talking has stopped working and act.

   Fables, 'The Cat and the Cook' (1812), our translation from the Russian

7. A helpful fool is more dangerous than an enemy.

   The bear kills the fly on his sleeping friend's face with a rock. Good intentions without judgment can do more harm than open hostility. Choose helpers for their sense, not just their eagerness.

   Fables, 'The Hermit and the Bear' (1808), our translation from the Russian

8. And the box simply opened.

   A self-styled expert hunts for the box's secret lock for an hour; it had no lock at all. We often overthink a problem whose answer is plain. Try the obvious door before you look for the hidden one.

   Fables, 'The Casket' (1808), our translation from the Russian

9. The cuckoo praises the rooster because he praises the cuckoo.

   Two mediocre singers flatter each other in a closed loop. Mutual praise feels like approval but tells you nothing. Seek opinions from people who gain nothing by flattering you.

   Fables, 'The Cuckoo and the Rooster' (1834), our translation from the Russian

10. Despise no one's advice, but examine it first.

    The eagle ignores the mole's warning about the rotten roots and loses his nest. Good advice can come from someone beneath your notice. Listen to everyone, then judge the advice on its merits.

    Fables, 'The Eagle and the Mole' (1816), our translation from the Russian