Proverbs are the legacy and testimony of human experiences that span centuries. Proverbs are wit of one and wisdom of many. If you want to see the simple, straightforward, and time-tested knowledge of humankind, look no further than proverbs. While proverbs primarily arise from collective human experience, they sometimes emerge from specific events or stories as well.
Here I share a Kashmiri proverb: “Kaav gav paav ta kaavpoot gav dod paav”
It means: “A crow is worth a quarter, but its chick (baby or grandson) is worth one and a half quarters.”
This proverb has an interesting story behind it:
Once, an old crow and his grandson were pecking at a carcass by the roadside. Suddenly, a human being passed by. Upon seeing him, the young crow immediately flew off and perched on a nearby tree. However, the old crow remained seated and continued eating without any sign of alarm. Once the man had gone by, the young crow flew back to the road and asked his grandfather, “Grandfather, why didn’t you fly away when you saw the man? What if he had thrown a stone at you?”
The old crow chuckled at his grandson’s naivety and replied, “My dear, you are still too innocent. You only need to flee when you see a man about to pick up a stone or when he has already picked one up. What’s the point of running away beforehand?”
But the young crow was quick to respond, “Grandfather, what if the man had already hidden a stone behind his back?”
The grandson’s sharp reply left the old crow speechless. He had no answer and awkwardly fled away, acknowledging the wisdom in the young crow’s words.The proverb’s underlying message is that sometimes young ones, despite their age, demonstrate such wisdom and intelligence that even the elders are left without a counter-argument.
This story, which my grandfather told me during my childhood, serves as a powerful reminder of several important lessons. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of remaining cautious and vigilant in all situations, as appearances can be deceiving. The elder crow, relying on his experience, assumed when it was safe to stay and when to flee. However, his grandson’s observation – that there could be unseen dangers – was a deeper insight into the unpredictable nature of threats.
This story reflects a profound truth about generational differences in thinking and approach. While elders rely on experience, sometimes the younger generation, unburdened by habitual patterns of thought, can offer fresh perspectives and new insights. The young crow’s question demonstrates foresight, suggesting that caution should sometimes be exercised even when no immediate danger is visible. At the heart of the proverb lies the idea that wisdom is not always confined to age. Sometimes, the youthful mind, uninhibited by convention, can grasp complexities and foresee dangers that even the most seasoned minds might overlook. The story subtly hints at the evolving nature of intelligence across generations, where experience and youthful perception can complement each other.
In today’s world, this proverb is more relevant than ever. Whether in business, technology, or even personal relationships, experience alone is often not enough. Rapid changes and unforeseen challenges can make it necessary to adapt and think in your mind, much like the young crow in the story. Fresh ideas and new ways of thinking, often brought forward by younger generations, can offer solutions that traditional wisdom might miss. The value of combining experience with innovation has its own advantage and cannot be overruled.
Thus, “Kaav gav paav ta kaavpoot gav dod paav” teaches us that wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age, and sometimes, it’s the young who teach the old a valuable lesson. As we navigate the complexities of life, we should remain open to learning from all sources, regardless of age or experience, recognizing that wisdom can emerge from even the most unexpected places.
The writer is Former Fellow, IIAS, Shimla (HP).