The graveyard is full of people who thought they were indispensable.

Scottish proverb

PhilosophyProverbs

Why it matters

The idea in context

This darkly comic proverb is a memento mori for busy people. Work, institutions and families continue after us; remembering that can soften ego, reduce martyrdom, and make rest feel less like betrayal.

Türkçe

Aynı kart, başka bir dilde.

Mezarlık, kendini vazgeçilmez sanan insanlarla doludur.
İskoç atasözü

Bu kara mizahlı atasözü meşgul insanlar için bir memento mori gibidir. İşler, kurumlar ve aileler bizden sonra da sürer; bunu hatırlamak egoyu yumuşatır, kendini kurban etme hâlini azaltır ve dinlenmeyi ihanet gibi hissettirmez.

Source trail

Read beyond the card.

Background reading: Memento moriAttribution and context are revised when stronger evidence appears. Corrections are welcome through the editorial page.
Next in the open archiveNo matter how far a man can urinate, the last drop will always land on his feet.Q0074