We often think that wealth comes from accumulation. We earn money, buy things, acquire knowledge, find out the secrets of success, build collections, save resources but there is a deep contradiction. Things we hold too tightly are often lost without proper use. An old saying that beautifully explains this paradox is associated with Georgian literature.Today’s Georgian proverb is: What we give makes us rich; What is stored is lost.The medieval poet Shota Rustaveli wrote this profound statement in his epic work The Knight in the Panther’s Skin. Written in the 12th or 13th century, this work belongs to the Georgian Golden Age. Set in India and Arabia, the fantasy work tells the story of two heroes Avtandil and Tariel, and their quest to find their object of love, Neston-Darezan, an allegorical incarnation of Queen Tamar.Coming back to the proverb, it teaches the real meaning of wealth, which is not a possession but has a distinct value. True wealth is not measured by what we have in our hands, but by what flows into our hands. The things we share become part of a bigger story. They shape other lives, influence future generations, and create meaning beyond themselves.When we give, whether it’s money, knowledge, or love, we transform stagnant resources into active relationships. Many other countries and cultures also have similar sayings that what we give comes back to us manifold. And what we do not give goes in vain because it does not survive after our death.
Wealth, Knowledge, Love: How georgian proverb applies to everything
The medieval saying also applies to material wealth. For example, money that is held in a safe loses its economic power and purchasing value due to inflation. More importantly, it loses its usefulness. Money is only good as much as the good it can do.If a skilled craftsman or a brilliant scientist refuses to share his insights for fear of competition, that knowledge dies with him. It becomes completely useless. However, when taught to others, it multiplies and evolves.You can’t put love on hold for a rainy day right now. Emotional hoarding leads to isolation. Affection, empathy and kindness only truly exist and grow when they are actively spent on others.The main meaning of these words of knowledge is that every material wealth is temporary.