A word without feet travels a thousand li.

What it means

Words have no legs, yet they travel farther than any runner. What you say about someone can reach places you will never go. Speak as if everything you say will be repeated.

The source

"A word without feet travels a thousand li." This Korean proverb is recorded in The Korea Review 1 (1901), 'Korean Proverbs', pp. 392ff.. Translated by The Korea Review (H. B. Hulbert, ed.), 1901.

"The footless word will go a thousand li."

The Korea Review (H. B. Hulbert, ed.), 1901, The Korea Review 1 (1901), 'Korean Proverbs', pp. 392ff.. Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "A word without feet travels a thousand li." mean?

Words have no legs, yet they travel farther than any runner. What you say about someone can reach places you will never go. Speak as if everything you say will be repeated.

Who said "A word without feet travels a thousand li."?

Korean proverb. Source: The Korea Review 1 (1901), 'Korean Proverbs', pp. 392ff..

What is the original wording?

The footless word will go a thousand li (The Korea Review (H. B. Hulbert, ed.), 1901). Translated by The Korea Review (H. B. Hulbert, ed.), 1901.

Is "A word without feet travels a thousand li." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"A word without feet travels a thousand li." (Korean proverb, The Korea Review 1 (1901), 'Korean Proverbs', pp. 392ff., trans. The Korea Review (H. B. Hulbert, ed.), 1901). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/a-word-without-feet-travels-a-thousand-li