Better the dirt of work than the perfume of idleness.

What it means

Saffron was a luxury scent, worn by those who did not work. Honest grime is more honorable than polished laziness. Choose the dirty hands.

The source

"Better the dirt of work than the perfume of idleness." This Arabic proverb is recorded in Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 232. Translated by John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830.

"The dirt of labour rather than the saffron of indolence."

John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830, Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 232. 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 "Better the dirt of work than the perfume of idleness." mean?

Saffron was a luxury scent, worn by those who did not work. Honest grime is more honorable than polished laziness. Choose the dirty hands.

Who said "Better the dirt of work than the perfume of idleness."?

Arabic proverb. Source: Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 232.

What is the original wording?

The dirt of labour rather than the saffron of indolence (John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830). Translated by John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830.

Is "Better the dirt of work than the perfume of idleness." on a shirt?

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

"Better the dirt of work than the perfume of idleness." (Arabic proverb, Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (1830), no. 232, trans. John Lewis Burckhardt, 1830). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/better-the-dirt-of-work-than-the-perfume