Which proverbs do Americans find wise?
A new survey about proverbs.
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They say good things come to those who wait. By “they” we mean the 57% who strongly or somewhat agree with that proverb, according to a new YouGov poll. But you don’t have to wait any longer, at least not if what you’re waiting for is polling about proverbs.
YouGov asked Americans whether they agree or disagree with 30 common proverbs, and found views ranging from near-unanimous agreement (92% agree that actions speak louder than words) to general disagreement (25% agree that might makes right).
Some popular proverbs urge good behavior, such as honesty is the best policy (84% agree) or that two wrongs do not make a right (80%), or warn against bad behavior, such as that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely (73%) or that cheaters never prosper (53%).
Another popular proverb theme is urging patience and endurance: 78% agree that you shouldn’t count your chickens before they’re hatched, 67% that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and 57% that good things come to those who wait.
Among financial advice, more people agree that a penny saved is a penny earned than that early to bed and early to wise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise (71% vs. 46%). But the benefits of any pennies or wealth accrued may be limited since 60% of Americans agree that money can’t buy happiness.
Some of the proverbs that Americans are more likely to disagree with are that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks (37% agree and 43% disagree), that the customer is always right (31% vs. 47%), and if you can’t beat them, join them (23% vs. 49%).
But since a picture is worth a thousand words (75% agree), take a look at the full chart:
Some of the 30 proverbs are more likely to be agreed with by men or women. For example, women are somewhat more likely than men to agree that good things come to those who wait (62% of women agree and 52% of men do) or that everything happens for a reason (68% vs. 58%).
Men are more likely than women to agree that nice guys finish last (42% of men agree and 26% of women do) and that sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me (45% vs. 35%).
What are your favorite or least favorite proverbs? Let us know in the comments!
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Carl Bialik contributed to this newsletter.