In This Post
Introduction
Mongolia has always been known for its wide open grasslands, nomadic way of life, and interesting history.
But one of the most fascinating parts of Mongolian culture is its rich tradition of proverbs and nomadic wisdom sayings.
Mongolian proverbs often remind us of the values, experiences, and beliefs of its people with common themes such as the importance of nature, the wisdom of elders, and the strength of the community.
In this blog post, I’ve shared 22 of the best Mongolian proverbs and quotes along with explanations of the meaning and wisdom behind them. So let’s start reading…
10 Mongolian Proverbs About Life
He who wants to build high, must dig deep.
Mongolian Proverb
Do not start if afraid; once begun, do not be afraid.
Mongolian Proverb
Once you have locked your door you are the emperor in your own domain.
Mongolian Proverb
Rich is he who has no debts, fortunate he who lives without handicap.
Mongolian Proverb
Brief Analysis
True wealth isn’t about having a full bank account; it’s about having freedom. When we are in debt, whether financially, emotionally, or otherwise, we’re bound by an obligation.
Plus, a person with no debts may not have a luxury car or a big house, but they have peace and control over their own life. They can make decisions based on their desires, not on the pressure to repay someone else.
Moreover, this Mongolian proverb about life suggests that true fortune is living without a handicap—whether that’s a physical, emotional, or even societal limitation. It’s about being able to engage with life fully.
In the end, we don’t have to be the wealthiest or the luckiest person in the world to be truly happy. We just need to be free from debt and free from the things that hold us back.
Also Read: 18 Inspiring Amish Proverbs About Life (Amish Wisdom Quotes)
The more you listen the more you give yourself room for doubt.
Mongolian Proverb
The supreme treasure is knowledge, the middle treasure is children, and the lowest treasure is material wealth.
Mongolian Proverb
Even foul water will put out a fire.
Mongolian Proverb
A donkey that carries me is worth more than a horse that kicks me.
Mongolian Proverb
Brief Analysis
Sometimes, we’re tempted by appearances. But if they bring us trouble, stress, or hurt, are they really worth it?
Much like the wisdom of Cherokee proverbs and sayings, this Mongolian proverb speaks to the idea of practicality versus potential. In life, it’s tempting to be drawn to what’s shiny and new. But what good is that if those things don’t help us or, worse if they cause us harm?
We should realize the things that are steady, the people who are trustworthy, and the paths that carry us forward without causing harm. We might be surprised by how much we gain when we shift our focus from appearances to true value.
So, it’s easy to be drawn to the “horse” because it seems like the obvious choice, but life is full of surprises. Sometimes, the humble “donkey” is exactly what we need, quietly carrying us toward our goals.
While father alive to get to know people.
Mongolian Proverb
Men and women sleep on the same pillow, but they have different dreams.
Mongolian Proverb
7 Famous Mongolian Quotes
Suffer with your own rule, rather than frolic under someone else’s rule.
Mongolian Proverb
Brief Analysis
There’s a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from struggling for our own vision, values, or way of life. It’s far more rewarding than accepting ease that requires surrendering to someone else’s will.
When we frolic under someone else’s rule, we give up part of ourselves. We may enjoy some pleasures for a while, but eventually, the joy feels hollow because we know it isn’t built on anything that’s truly ours.
The cost of this kind of ease is our freedom and our individuality. Over time, we may feel lost or disconnected from who we really are because we’ve been living by someone else’s standards, not our own.
Ultimately, this Mongo proverb is a call to take ownership of our lives. It’s a reminder that, while the journey may be hard, the rewards of living on our own terms are far richer than any easy life lived under someone else’s rule.
While horse is strong travel to see places.
Mongolian Proverb
Times are not always the same; the grass is not always green.
Mongolian Proverb
Two bears in one cave will not end up well.
Mongolian Proverb
The meat-biting tooth is in the mouth, the man-biting tooth is in the soul.
Mongolian Proverb
Brief Analysis
This famous Mongolian proverb speaks to the power of words, actions, and intentions. It’s a metaphor that contrasts two types of “biting”—one that’s physical, and one that’s emotional or spiritual.
The “man-biting tooth” refers to the wounds we inflict on others through our words and behaviors. It speaks to the emotional or spiritual harm we can cause—sometimes unintentionally, sometimes with malice.
Moreover, the “man-biting tooth” lives in all of us. It’s part of our responsibility to manage it, to think before we act, and to reflect on how our behaviors might affect others.
In short, we should be mindful of this inner “tooth” so that we can build each other up rather than tear each other down. And in doing so, we not only protect others but also nurture our own souls.
A cat likes to eat fresh fish but it will not go into the water.
Mongolian Proverb
Do not scorn a weak cub, he may become a brutal tiger.
Mongolian Proverb
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Greed keeps men forever poor, even the abundance of this world will not make them rich.
Mongolian Proverb
Brief Analysis
Greed is a hunger that’s never fully satisfied. We can acquire wealth beyond our wildest dreams, and surround ourselves with luxury, but the feeling of “enough” remains elusive.
But why does greed make us feel poor? Because it shifts our focus from what we have to what we don’t have. It makes us see life through the lens of scarcity, even in moments of great abundance.
This mindset leaves us trapped in a cycle where no matter how much we gain, it’s never enough. And so, despite the abundance of the world, we remain “poor” in spirit—always wanting for more.
In the end, this Mongolian wisdom quote asks us to choose between a life of endless wanting or one of peaceful contentment. And if we can choose wisely, we might discover that the abundance we’re searching for has been around us all along.
It is easier to catch an escaped horse than to take back an escaped word.
Mongolian Proverb
If the mind is clean, fate is good.
Mongolian Proverb
The distance between heaven and earth is no greater than one thought.
Mongolian Proverb
The winner has many friends, the loser has good friends.
Mongolian Proverb
Brief Analysis
Success has a way of building excitement, and others naturally want to be part of something positive. But we all know there’s a layer of superficiality in this.
The “good friends” mentioned in this Mongol proverb are those rare individuals who don’t abandon us when we’re losing. They stand by us, offering support, comfort, and loyalty.
It’s just that our true relationships get revealed during hard times. Those who stay by our side when we have nothing to offer them but our company are the ones who matter most.
So, success can fill our lives with people, but failure helps us find the ones who truly belong there. And in the long run, those are the relationships that matter most.
