I’ve always loved Irish proverbs.

Dredged from a well of hard-earned wisdom, these aphorisms, be they quotes from Ireland’s great literary and lyrical traditions or anonymous folk sayings, always reflect a culture of wit, generosity, spirit and optimism.

Here are just a few of my favorites.

“May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.”

“Laughter is brightest where food is best.”

“If you can’t get rid of the skeleton in your closet, you’d best take it out and teach it to dance.” ~ George Bernard Shaw.

“Cram as much pleasure into life, and rail against the pain you have to suffer as a result. Or scream and rant with the pain, and wait for it to be taken away with beautiful pleasure.” ~ Shane McGowan.

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” ~ W.B. Yeats.

“You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.” ~ Oliver Goldsmith.

“You’ll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind.”

“Beware of people who dislike cats.”

“Arguments are to be avoided. They are always vulgar and often convincing.” ~ Oscar Wilde.

“So hope for a great sea-change
on the far side of revenge.
Believe that a further shore
is reachable from here.
Believe in miracles
and cures and healing wells.” ~ Seamus Heaney

“Mistakes are the portals of discovery.” ~ James Joyce.

“Words want to find chimes with each other, things want to connect.” ~ Paul Muldoon.

“To be one, to be united is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater.” ~ Bono.

“Do it as if there was fire in your skin.”

“A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.”

Wishing you warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

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Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photos: Pixabay