The beauty of a proverb is that each piece of wisdom reflects the rich history from where it came. The culture is preserved as it is recited and repeated generation to generation. No matter how old a proverb is, it still manages to be relevant for those humble enough to heed the wisdom of each saying. As I share with you these 15 proverbs and sayings from Mexico, I hope you can find the country’s traditions, insights and spirit reflected in its words.

1. “La amistad sincera es un alma repartida en dos cuerpos.”

True friendship is one soul shared by two bodies.

2. ”El que parte y comparte, se queda con la mejor parte.”

He who divides and shares is left with the best share.

3. ”La conversación es el pasto del alma.”

Conversation is food for the soul.

4. “La verdad padece pero no perece.”

Truth suffers but never perishes.

5. “Ganar un pleito es adquirir un pollo y perder una vaca.”

To win a dispute is to gain a chicken and lose a cow.

6. “Mata más una esperanza que un desengaño.”

False hope kills more readily than bitter truth.

7. “Es mejor estar solo que mal acompañado.”

Better alone unattached than unsuitably matched.

8. “Cada quien es dueño de su miedo.”

Everyone is master of their own fear.

9. “Todos dicen que maten al toro, pero el toro no mate a nadie.”

The whole arena tells them to kill the bull, yet the bull should kill no one.

10. “Mal tranquilo hace mal marino.”

Calm seas make sorry sailors.

11. “No hay peor lucha que la que no se hace.”

There’s no worse struggle than one that never begins.

12. “La esperanza muere al último.”

Hope dies last of all.

13. “Quein todo lo quiere todo lo pierde.”

He who wants everything will lose everything.

14. “El sueño es alimento de los pobres.”

Dreaming is the food of the poor.

15. “Cuando joven, de ilusiones; cuando viejo, de recuerdos.”

While young, it’s all dreams; when old, all memories.