If a matter is dark, dive to the bottom.

What it means

When something is unclear, skimming the surface will not settle it. Go all the way down and find out what is really there. Ask the hard questions until the murk clears.

The source

"If a matter is dark, dive to the bottom." This Yoruba proverb is recorded in Ellis, The Yoruba-Speaking Peoples (1894), ch. XIII, no. 83. Translated by Ellis, 1894.

"If a matter be dark, dive to the bottom."

Ellis, 1894, Ellis, The Yoruba-Speaking Peoples (1894), ch. XIII, no. 83. 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 "If a matter is dark, dive to the bottom." mean?

When something is unclear, skimming the surface will not settle it. Go all the way down and find out what is really there. Ask the hard questions until the murk clears.

Who said "If a matter is dark, dive to the bottom."?

Yoruba proverb. Source: Ellis, The Yoruba-Speaking Peoples (1894), ch. XIII, no. 83.

What is the original wording?

If a matter be dark, dive to the bottom (Ellis, 1894). Translated by Ellis, 1894.

Is "If a matter is dark, dive to the bottom." on a shirt?

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

"If a matter is dark, dive to the bottom." (Yoruba proverb, Ellis, The Yoruba-Speaking Peoples (1894), ch. XIII, no. 83, trans. Ellis, 1894). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/if-a-matter-is-dark-dive-to-the