Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten. — Chinua Achebe

The Ibo people have a proverb that when a man says yes his chi says yes also. Okonkwo said yes very strongly, so his chi agreed. And not only his chi but his clan too, because it judged a man by the work of his hands.

A proud heart can survive general failure because such a failure does not prick its pride. It is more difficult and more bitter when a man fails alone.

When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk.