Better to bend than to break.

What it means

Rigid things snap under pressure; flexible things survive it. Giving a little ground is not defeat if it keeps you standing. Adapt where you must so that you can endure.

The source

"Better to bend than to break." This Russian proverb is recorded in Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Stubbornness" («Упорство»). Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

"Лучше гнуться, чем переломиться."

Original Russian, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Stubbornness" («Упорство»). Text read at ru.wikisource.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 to bend than to break." mean?

Rigid things snap under pressure; flexible things survive it. Giving a little ground is not defeat if it keeps you standing. Adapt where you must so that you can endure.

Who said "Better to bend than to break."?

Russian proverb. Source: Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Stubbornness" («Упорство»).

What is the original Russian?

Лучше гнуться, чем переломиться. Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Better to bend than to break." on a shirt?

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

"Better to bend than to break." (Russian proverb, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Stubbornness" («Упорство»), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/better-to-bend-than-to-break